Gunman wishes pope fast recovery

ISTANBUL, Turkey – The Turkish man who shot Pope John Paul II wished the hospitalized pontiff a speedy recovery Thursday, but also urged him to tell the world that its end is near – the latest cryptic message from the mysterious man behind the 1981 attack.

Mehmet Ali Agca was extradited to Turkey in 2000 after serving almost 20 years in Italy for the 1981 shooting of the pope. Agca, who remains behind bars in Turkey for separate crimes, has given conflicting reasons for the attack on the pope, and his motives remain unclear.

In a brief, handwritten letter in Italian, Agca wished the pope well. But he also made apocalyptic references, referring to the end of the world

“You and I suffer for the realization of a universal divine plan,” Agca said. “I wish you a speedy recovery.”

The message was faxed Thursday to the Associated Press by his attorney.

The pope probably will remain hospitalized at least until Monday, but he appears to be on the mend, Vatican and medical officials said Thursday.

The 84-year-old pontiff is being treated at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, not far from his residence in Vatican City and the same hospital where he’s celebrated Mass while recovering from other illnesses.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano said the pope’s hospitalization late Tuesday was more precautionary than necessary. Officials moved him after he had trouble breathing after coming down with the flu on Sunday.

Agca has previously suggested he was merely an instrument of God’s plans.

He also thanked the pope for revealing the “third secret” of Fatima in 2000, a 1917 vision of a pope struck down by bullets and arrows but spared from death.

The pope has long forgiven Agca and even worked to secure his release from prison in Italy.

“I embrace you, Karol Wojtyla. I send you my best wishes,” Agca added, referring to the pope by his birth name.