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37 Years ago today

Photo of the Day | published on 05/13/18
POPE JOHN PAUL II,ASSASINATION

Osservatore Romano | CPP

Photo of the Day: May 13, 2018

On Wednesday, May 13, 1981, Mehmet Ali Agca attempted to assassinate the pope, St. John Paul II, by firing a handgun at close range. The pope was shot four times and suffered severe blood loss. In later days, the pope visited and forgave Agca, who was later pardoned by the Italian President Carlo Ciampi at the pope’s request.

The pope uttered the words “Mary. My Mother. Mary! My Mother!” upon being shot, and credits the Blessed Mother with preserving his life.

Photograph provided by Osservatore Romano via CPP

Learn more : Online Exclusive: What John Paul II Intended to Say the Day He Was Shot

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