Photo SpecialPope John Paul II: 1920-2005
Look at the life of the beloved and controversial cleric who led the Vatican for more than 25 years
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'DIVINE TEST'
The Pope's fearlessness in church policy and politics was often unpopular, but never as violently as in 1981, when right-wing Turkish terrorist Mehmet Ali Agca shot him twice. Agca recanted an initial claim that he was working for the Bulgarian intelligence service, and Soviet leadership has never been linked to the assassination attempt. For his part, the Pope said he was grateful for what he called a "divine test," and he forgave Agca personally during a jailhouse visit.
