By Maya Rhodan
The Turkish gunman who spent years in prison for attempting to assassinate Pope John Paul II laid flowers at his tomb on Saturday.
Mehmet Ali Agca laid white flowers at the Pope’s resting place during his first visit to the Vatican since 1981, when he attempted to assassinate the Pope, CBS News reports. The Pope later pardoned Agca and even went to visit him in 1983.
Saturday marked the 31st anniversary of the Pope visiting Agca in a Rome prison, according to a Vatican spokesperson. Years later, in 2000, the Pope worked to get Agca released from prison.
Agca was later extradited to Turkey where he served a 10 year sentence for murdering a Turkish journalist in 1979.
[CBS News]
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com