Answer: On May 13, 1981, as Pope John Paul II entered St. Peter's square in an open vehicle, he was by was struck with four bullets fired from a gun fired by Turk Mehmet Ali Agca. May 13th, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Pope John Paul II was deeply dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima and credits her with saving his life.
The year after the attempt on his life, Pope John Paul II visited the Shrine of Fátima (May 13, 1982). The next day, the then bishop of Leiria, D. Alberto Cosme do Amaral, lunches with the Pope. At the end of the meal, before departing, John Paul II delivers him a small case, with these words: “This is a gift for Our Lady”. D. Alberto receives from the Pope’s hands the bullet that had hit him on the May 13,1981. At the request of the bishop, the bullet was later set in the crown of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima.
Statue of Our Lady of Fatima with Bullet Placed in the Crown
Papal Travels
Pope John Paul II at Fatima
Scott 743 (1994)
St. John Paul II is assisted by aides after being shot in St. Peter's Square May 13, 1981. The Polish pope, who was shot at the start of his weekly general audience by Mehmet Ali Agca, was convinced that he owed his life to Our Lady of Fatima. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano)
This is a photo of the car Pope John Paul II was riding when he was shot.
Photo by Mary Lanahan, taken in the Vatican Museum, September 2022.
|
