[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

He also reveals that he is convinced the Turkish gunman who shot him in 1981 did not act alone and suggests that the former Communist Bloc may have been behind the plot to kill him -- based on conversations with philosopher friends in 1993 and later with some of his aides

Written in 1993. That explains it. Not many people in 1993 knew that there was a worldwide Muslim terrorist threat that was growing. Not even the Pope. Even though there had already been several attacks, hostages taken, etc, at that point. Not many peopole had any idea of the scope of it.

[sportutegrl]

Reuters buries the lead. An attempt to murder the Pope. THE POPE!!! Maybe this is the stuff of conspiracy theories, but consider the source.