1981 Religion & Beliefs Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1981 Religion & Beliefs Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 17 Feb Pope John Paul II's visit to the Philippines begins with Mass at Manila Cathedral: On February 17, 1981, Pope John Paul II began his first papal visit to the Philippines by celebrating Mass at the Manila Cathedral. During the Mass, he addressed the Philippine Episcopate and Asian Bishops, emphasizing the importance of the Church's mission in the region. The visit also included a meeting with women religious at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, where the Pope addressed the women religious of the Philippines. source: vatican.va
- 13 Mar Assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II: On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded by Mehmet Ali Ağca in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. The assassination attempt occurred during a public audience, and the Pope was hit by four bullets but survived after extensive medical treatment. This event had significant implications for the Catholic Church and international relations, particularly in the context of the Cold War. source: britannica.com
- 14 Apr Symeon of Thessalonica canonized by the Greek Orthodox Church: Symeon of Thessalonica, a 15th-century Byzantine monk and theologian, was canonized by the Greek Orthodox Church on April 14, 1981. He served as the archbishop of Thessalonica from 1416 or 1417 until his death in 1429, and is known for his theological and liturgical works, including commentaries on the Byzantine liturgy. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 May Attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II: On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded by Mehmet Ali Ağca in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. The assassination attempt occurred during a public audience, and the Pope was hit by four bullets but survived after extensive medical treatment. This event had significant implications for the Vatican and international relations, as well as for the Pope's subsequent views on forgiveness and reconciliation. source: britannica.com
- 13 Jun Mass Wedding by Unification Church: 39 couples were married in a collective ceremony organized by the Unification Church in Germany, reflecting the group's distinctive mass wedding practices.
- 15 Sep Pope John Paul II Publishes Labor Encyclical: Pope John Paul II publishes the encyclical 'Laborem exercens', offering a comprehensive Catholic perspective on labor, critiquing aspects of both capitalism and Marxism while emphasizing human dignity in work.
- 05 Oct Raoul Wallenberg becomes honorary U.S. citizen: On October 5, 1981, Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg was posthumously granted honorary U.S. citizenship by President Ronald Reagan. Wallenberg, who saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II, was arrested by Soviet forces in 1945, and his fate remains uncertain. This honor was previously awarded only to Sir Winston Churchill in 1963. source: reaganlibrary.gov
- 17 Oct Pope John Paul II meets Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch Abuna Takla Haymanot: On October 17, 1981, Pope John Paul II welcomed Abuna Takla Haymanot, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, at Castel Gandolfo. The meeting emphasized the shared Christian faith and the importance of unity among Christians. Pope John Paul II highlighted the need for increased direct contacts and theological dialogue to achieve full reconciliation and unity. source: vatican.va
- 27 Nov Discovery of Buddha's Bone Relics near Beijing in 1981: In November 1981, archaeologists rediscovered two tiny pellets of ash, believed to be the cremated remains of Buddha, in a cave near Beijing's Yunju Temple. These relics, known as sartras, are among the holiest in Buddhism and were found in a cave used to store scriptures on Shijing Mountain. The discovery was announced in April 1987 after researchers confirmed their authenticity. source: upi.com
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