Pope Leo XIV today commemorated the 45th anniversary of the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II with a moment of prayer in St. Peter’s Square. Before the general audience on May 13, the Pope stopped at the marble plaque marking the exact spot where Karol Wojtyła was shot in 1981. Standing silently among the cobblestones of the square, Leo XIV knelt in prayer and paid tribute to his predecessor. During his remarks to pilgrims, the Pope also recalled the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, celebrated on the same day, entrusting to Mary what he described as the “cry for peace” rising from countries affected by war.

In his catechesis, Leo XIV reflected extensively on the figure of the Virgin Mary, describing her as the “perfect model” of the Church and the ultimate example of faith. He encouraged the faithful to look to Mary as a guide for obedience, charity, and spiritual devotion, while also recalling Fatima’s enduring message of peace.