No pope has ever been shot in India. While there have been attempts on the lives of various popes throughout history, no such incident involving a shooting has occurred on Indian soil.
One of the most widely known instances of a pope being shot involved Pope John Paul II. This attempted assassination, however, did not take place in India but rather in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, on May 13, 1981.
The Attempted Assassination of Pope John Paul II
The attack on Pope John Paul II was a significant event in modern papal history. During a public appearance, he was shot by an assailant, but he miraculously survived the attack, later forgiving his attacker.
Here are the key details of this historical event:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Target | Pope John Paul II |
| Attack Type | Shooting |
| Weapon Used | Browning Hi-Power |
| Fatalities | 0 |
| Location | St. Peter's Square, Vatican City |
| Date | May 13, 1981 |
This event highlights the risks faced by global leaders and religious figures, even within the perceived safety of their own territories. Pope John Paul II's survival was widely attributed to divine intervention by many of his followers, who believe the Virgin Mary intervened on the 64th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady of Fátima.
For more information on the life and pontificate of Pope John Paul II, you can visit the Holy See's official website.
