Would-be assassin lays flowers on Pope John Paul II's tomb

Holy Father forgave gunman 31 years ago

Pope John Paul II shakes hands with Mehmet Ali Agca in a Rome prison Dec. 27, 1983.
(Photo: L'Osservatore Romano via EPA / CNS)

Turkish assassin Mehmet Ali Agca placed white roses on the tomb of St. John Paul II Dec. 27, marking the anniversary of a significant event.

Agca shot Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square in 1981. The pope, who had been severely wounded in the attack, forgave Agca for the attempt on his life Dec. 27, 1983, 31 years ago. His papacy lasted until his death in 2005.

After laying the flowers this winter, Agca allegedly told security forces: "I felt the need to make this gesture." Read more here.