Turkish authorities have removed Mehmet Ali Agca, the man who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981, from the town of Iznik just hours before Pope Leo XIV’s scheduled visit, citing security concerns.
Agca, now in his 60s, had told local reporters he hoped to meet Pope Leo “for two or three minutes.” But officials acted swiftly to escort him out of the town before the pontiff’s arrival, according to local media reports.
The decision underscores the sensitivity surrounding papal visits in Turkey, where memories of the 1981 attack still linger. By removing Agca, authorities sought to prevent potential disruptions, protect the Pope’s safety, and avoid overshadowing the symbolic importance of the visit.
Agca’s presence carried heavy implications. His history—serving nearly three decades in prison in Italy and Turkey before his release in 2010—remains a reminder of the vulnerability of global religious leaders. Pope John Paul II famously visited Agca in prison in 1983 to forgive him, a gesture that became a defining moment of reconciliation.
For Pope Leo XIV, the visit to Iznik is part of his first apostolic journey, which has already included meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and prayers with local clergy in Ankara and Istanbul. The removal of Agca highlights how security, diplomacy, and symbolism intersect during papal travels, especially in regions with complex histories.
Analysts note that the move reflects Turkey’s desire to maintain stability and protect its international image during a high-profile religious visit. It also demonstrates how past events continue to shape present-day decisions, with Agca’s notoriety still capable of drawing global attention decades after his crime.
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