As numerous leaders, the pope’s figure has also been subject Attacks and attacks. Despite the enormous safety contingent that accompanies them, sometimes the attackers find recesses to act. For hatred, for mental disorder or even motivated by political ideologies, around About fifteen potatoes They suffered a sort of altercation throughout history. These are the attacks that have marked the papacy of the last three pontiffs.
The two attacks on John Paul II
A few years after taking the position, Pope John Paul II He suffered an attack that almost ends his life. As usual, the Plaza de San Pedro, in the Vatican city, was crowded. The faithful shouted the arrival of their holiness in their characteristic Papamóvil. It was May 13, 1981. Among those who attended the act it was hidden Mehmet Ali AğcaAND Turkish of only 23 years He did not hesitate to tighten the trigger, in front of the amazement of the crowd, and frantically shot.
Four bullets affect the Pope’s body. Two in the abdomen, one in the arm and one in hand. It has been managed urgently, for more than five hours. After a long recovery, he survived. The attacker was a Turkish extremist, presumably linked to the Ultra -nationalist group Gray wolves. The young man confirmed that he did not act alone, but the real reasons of his action still cause theories, some of the most alternatives, say a relationship with the Bulgarian secret services or with the KGB. But the iconic moment of this event would take place years later. In 1983, John Paul II visited Ağca in prison and, by virtue of his Christian faith, Forgiven him.
Chance wanted it Just a year after the altercationOn May 12, but since 1982, Pope John Paul II dodged death again. The Pope was in Fatima, Portugal. Among visitors they got up Juan Fernández Krohna priest Spanish fundamentalist “Posteriorly excommunicated”, he tried to stab, even if without getting it. According to him, the Pope was a secret agent linked to Soviet communism who sought the corruption of the Vatican.
Benedict XVI’s accident
It was the night of December 24, 2009, the Gallo Mass was celebrated in the Basilica of San Pedro del Vaticano. As is the tradition, Pope Benedict XVI, 82 years old, was going towards the main altar to celebrate the most solemn ceremony of the year. Then, A young woman dressed in red —Ge late identified as Susanna MaioloA Swiss with well -known psychiatric problems launched the security barrier.
Suddenly, He launched himself on the popeHe grabbed him with clothes and made him fall to the ground. The fall was spectacular, in the middle of the central room, before dozens of eyes and cameras. Benedict XVI was on the floor, but rapidly raised himself with help. Him Was not injuredBut a cardinal, Roger etchegaray, 87, who went with the pope in the procession, suffered a hip fracture when he fell.
The attacker was immediately reduced and detained by the Vatican security service. He didn’t bring weapons. His intention would not have been to kill him, but physically approaching the pontiff. She apologized. And he, of course, He forgive her.
Attempts to attack Pope Francis
The religious community did not recommend the journey, but the commitment of the Pope Francisco He was larger than fear, and embarked on his path to Iraq, in 2021. As soon as he landed, as counted in his recently published autobiography Experanzawould be informed of the Two frustrated attempts.
The British Intelligence service He would have managed to stop an attack on him, orchestrated by A womanA terrorist ready to impose himself in front of him. In parallel, A van He went to Mosul at full speed, also to attack him. But it wasn’t the first time that the attacks against his person were frustrated. Pope Francis had to face direct threats from Islamic State (ISIS). In 2024, the Indonesia authorities managed to dismantle a Terrorist planning Who intended to attack him during his trip to Yakarta.
From Martyrdom of San Pedro From the first century AD before the emperor Nero, a moment that Caravaggio captured, with his usual fervor, in an iconic picture, numerous papals suffered from attempts to compromise. The maximum representation of the Catholic Church Becomes a risk of risk by the symbolism of your figure. Many frustrated attacks, others will be forever unknown, what remains of them is mercy and forgiveness that everyone profess, as it could be otherwise, by virtue of their mandate. Forgiveness expires to punishment and wins the enemy.
