John Paul

Religious beliefs are a fundamental and central aspect of a religious tradition, tying conjointly with life experience, by shaping an adherent’s life by dignifying and providing meaning and purpose to human existence. Specifically, the life experience of Karol Wojtyla, who later became Pope John Paul II, significantly enriched and affirmed his belief in the Catholic Christian tradition. Born in 1920, Wojtyla endured great challenges throughout his life. By the age of 21, he had experienced the tragic loss of his entire family. In October 1978, he was elected as Pope, choosing the name of John Paul II. He accomplished much while serving as a Pope. In May 1981, he endured another almost tragic life experience which greatly impacted his religious beliefs when an assassination attempt was made against his life. This attempt deepened his religious faith and increased his devotion to the Virgin Mary. John Paul II not only survived the experience but, grew and changed accordingly with the experience.

On May 13th, 1981 an assassination attempt was made on the life of Pope John Paul II. The Pope journeyed through the St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. At that very moment, he was shot four times by a Turkish-trained assassin named Mehmet Ali Agca. The bullets missed his abdominal; eventually it reached his arm and intestine. Agca was restrained by a nun and other bystanders until the police arrived. Pope stated that Our Lady Fatima aided him to keep alive through the ordeal. The significant life experience that Pope John Paul II faced was one of suffering and being very close to death. “I pray for the brother of ours, who shot me, I have sincerely pardoned him.” His beliefs regarding forgiveness were affirmed, allowing his actions to reflect that a life of forgiveness was one that would lead to salvation. He did not feel resentment or have any hatred towards Agca, rather, acknowledged the event as one of forgiveness and human relationship.
“One hand fired and another