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Pope John Paul II Forgave His Shooter on Way to Hospital

Pope John Paul II decided to forgive his would-be assassin while he was in the ambulance on his way to the hospital moments after being shot in St. Peter's Square, according to a new book by the Polish prelate spearheading his sainthood case.

The revelation is contained in one of the many previously unpublished speeches and memos drafted by John Paul that are contained in the book, including two documents in which he outlined the criteria for which he would resign if he became incapacitated.

The book, "Why He's a Saint" also confirms that John Paul practiced self-mortification — he whipped himself with a belt, even on vacation — and frequently slept naked on the floor as acts of penitence.

Read entire article at AP