Man Who Shot Pope John Paul II Goes to His Tomb at Vatican
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iStock/Thinkstock(ROME) — Police in Italy arrested the Turkish man who tried to murder Pope John Paul II in 1981 after he appeared at the Vatican Saturday morning.
Almost 34 years after he shot and wounded Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square, Turkish citizen Ali Agca arrived at the Vatican Basilica Saturday with two large bouquets of roses to lay on the tomb of the late pope and a request to meet Pope Francis.
Agca spent several years in prison in Italy after his assassination attempt against Pope John Paul. While there, John Paul visited him in his cell on December 27, 1983– 31 years ago. Later, Agca was transferred to a prison in Turkey where he completed his sentence three years ago.
While in St. Peter’s Square, Agca phoned the Vatican to request a meeting with Pope Francis. But Vatican spokesperson Federico Lombardi said laying flowers at John Paul II’s tomb was enough.
Police say they stopped Agca to verify he had entered Italy legally. After ascertaining he had, they let him go.
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