Remember Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turkish 'would-be' assassin of the late Pope John Paul II in 1981? The Pope forgave him publicly in 1983 and now there's a rumor that he had converted to Catholicism from Islam according to CathNews.com.Here is an excerpt from the site:
"I am looking for an Italian woman, who wants to correspond with me. Obviously (I hope) she is Catholic because from May 13 2007, I decided to renounce the Muslim faith and becoming a member of the Roman Catholic Church," Agca writes.This news has to be confirmed its authenticity but for now, let's pray for Mehmet of his good intention and remember in our prayers all those who are persecuting the Church so that they too may see the light of Christ.
"I have decided to return peacefully to the (St Peter's) square and to testify to the world of my conversion to Catholicism," he says in the letter written in Italian.
"Just for a day, I would wish to return to Rome to pray at the tomb of John Paul II to express my filial appreciation for his forgiveness," he adds.
Just like the attacker of Maria Goretti, who converted to Catholicism, this could be possible to Mehmet Ali Agca. In forgiveness hatred is reduced to love and love is the most powerful weapon against indifference, hatred, bigotry and intolerance. If indeed Christ did it, and the Servant of God Pope John Paul II did it, we too are called to forgive those who have wronged us and let God's power acting on our behalf.
To Jesus alone be praise.
Photos after the Pope was shot in St. Peter's Square
In this file photo the late holy man of God, Pope John Paul II visited his 'would-be' assassin in prison and forgave him.
This forgiveness is the most beautiful thing. It is how Jesus would have acted. I pray to one day forgive as well. It is what we are called to do. Thank you for posting it.
ReplyDeleteTom M. Virginia, USA
Thank you brother Tom for visiting my blog. Yes, Blessed John Paul II demonstrated the beauty of our Christian faith the finest.
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