Turkish authorities on Thursday escorted Mehmet Ali Ağca — the man who shot and wounded Pope John Paul II in 1981 — out of the town of Iznik as part of heightened security measures ahead of an upcoming visit by Pope Leo XIV, local media reported.
According to the reports, security officials quietly relocated Ağca from the historic northwestern town to prevent any disruptions or unwanted attention during the pontiff’s visit. The precaution was taken to ensure a smooth and secure environment as preparations intensify for the Pope’s arrival.
Ağca, a former member of the Turkish ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves, gained global notoriety after attempting to assassinate Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square on May 13, 1981. He later served time in both Italy and Turkey before his release.
While authorities did not disclose Ağca’s new location, officials emphasized that the action was purely preventive, aimed at avoiding any potential media circus or security concerns tied to his presence during Pope Leo XIV’s scheduled activities in Iznik.
