Saint John Paul II, one of the most beloved popes in history, lived a life of deep faith, suffering, and unwavering devotion to God. Among the many relics associated with him, one of the most powerful is his blood-stained shirt, a reminder of the assassination attempt that nearly took his life on May 13, 1981. This relic, now venerated by the faithful, has become a source of miracles and divine intercession.
The Assassination Attempt: A Pope’s Brush with Death
On May 13, 1981, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, Pope John Paul II was shot in St. Peter’s Square by Mehmet Ali Ağca, a Turkish assassin. The attack was brutal—two bullets struck the Pope, causing massive internal bleeding. As he collapsed in the arms of his aides, the crowd fell into a stunned silence before erupting into prayer and cries for help.
Rushed to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, doctors fought to save his life. The bullet had narrowly missed a major artery—a fact that John Paul II later attributed to the miraculous intervention of Our Lady of Fatima.
🩸 The Blood-Stained Shirt
During the emergency surgery, his white cassock was removed, soaked in blood. The garment, which bore the physical evidence of his suffering, would later become one of the most treasured relics of his papacy.
A Relic of Faith: The Blood-Stained Shirt Today
After his recovery, portions of the blood-stained cassock were preserved as relics. One of these pieces is kept at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland, while others have been distributed to various churches worldwide.
Pilgrims who visit these relics report miraculous healings, conversions, and powerful experiences of God’s presence.
Miracles and Testimonies Linked to the Relic
🔹 A Boy Healed from a Brain Tumor
A young Polish boy, suffering from an aggressive brain tumor, was brought to the relic by his parents. After prayers and the touch of the relic, medical scans later showed that the tumor had disappeared completely.
🔹 Conversion of a Hardened Atheist
A man who had rejected God for decades felt an overwhelming presence of grace while praying before the relic. He later returned to confession after 40 years away from the Church.
🔹 Protection from Danger
A woman in the Philippines, who kept a small piece of the relic in her home, was saved from a violent attack when the intruder suddenly fled without explanation. She believed John Paul II’s intercession protected her.
What This Relic Teaches Us
Saint John Paul II’s blood-stained shirt is not just a historical artifact—it is a symbol of sacrifice, suffering, and the triumph of faith over evil. It reminds us that:
✔️ God’s power is greater than any attack from the enemy.
✔️ Suffering can be transformed into a path of holiness.
✔️ The intercession of saints continues to work miracles today.
A Prayer to Saint John Paul II for Protection and Healing
Saint John Paul II, you bore the wounds of suffering and yet never lost faith. Through your intercession, we ask for protection, healing, and strength to endure trials. May your witness inspire us to trust in God’s mercy and embrace the cross with love. Amen.
Saint John Paul II, pray for us!
