On 13 May 1981, the world watched in shock as Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The pontiff, aged 60 at the time, was greeting crowds from his open-top vehicle during his weekly general audience when he was struck by four bullets fired by Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Ağca. Gravely injured, the Pope was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and eventually made a remarkable recovery.
Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Poland in 1920, was elected pope in October 1978, becoming the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. He was a vocal opponent of communism and played a key role in encouraging resistance to Soviet influence in Eastern Europe, particularly through his support of the Solidarity movement in his native Poland. A philosopher and theologian, John Paul II was also known for his firm stance on traditional Catholic doctrine, his emphasis on the sanctity of human life, and his efforts to bridge gaps between different faiths.
The motive behind the assassination attempt remains a subject of debate, though many believe Ağca, a member of the far-right Grey Wolves group, was acting with support from foreign interests alarmed by the Pope’s anti-communist stance. Some theories point to possible involvement by the Soviet KGB or Bulgarian secret services, though definitive proof has never been established. Remarkably, Pope John Paul II later visited Ağca in prison and forgave him personally.
John Paul II went on to serve as pope for over 26 years, making him one of the longest-serving pontiffs in history. His influence was global and transformative, helping shape the modern papacy through travel, outreach, and strong moral leadership. He passed away in April 2005 and was succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict XVI served until his resignation in 2013, after which Pope Francis was elected. Pope Francis led the Catholic Church until his death on 21 April 2025. He was known for his humility, emphasis on God’s mercy, international visibility, commitment to interreligious dialogue, and concern for the poor, migrants, and refugees.
Following Pope Francis’s death, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV on 8 May 2025, becoming the first American pontiff. Pope Leo XIV has signaled a balanced approach to leadership by combining continuity with Pope Francis’s inclusive practices and gestures that appeal to Catholic traditionalists.
Also read: Who is Pope Leo XIV?
