Attacker of Pope John Paul II Removed from Turkish Town Ahead of Pope Leo’s Historic Visit

Mehmet Ali Ağca, the man who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II nearly 45 years ago, was removed from the Turkish town of Iznik on November 27, 2025, just days before Pope Leo XIV’s arrival for a landmark papal visit marking the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. This deliberate action was taken by Turkish authorities to maintain security and order during the pontiff’s visit.

Ağca, who shot and seriously wounded Pope John Paul II in St Peter’s Square in 1981, had recently travelled to Iznik hoping to personally welcome Pope Leo XIV on the current pontiff’s first international trip since his election in May 2025. However, law enforcement officials intervened, escorting Ağca out of the town to prevent any potential disruptions or security risks. Though Ağca has expressed regret for his actions in the past, Turkish intelligence closely monitored his movements.

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey, which spans November 27 to 30, is rooted in an ecumenical mission that was initially planned by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in early 2025. The pilgrimage commemorates the historic Council of Nicaea convened in Iznik in 325 AD, a foundational gathering shaping Christian doctrine across denominations. The pope’s itinerary includes meetings with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other political and religious leaders, participation in ecumenical ceremonies with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, and a visit to Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque.