CHAPTER 20
ATTEMPT ON POPE JOHN XXIV’S LIFE
September 22, 2014 at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, India, it is expected that an estimated crowd of one million will be in the stands and fields in order to participate in the Pope’s visit. The preparation has been unprecedented for the organizers to make this event run efficiently, including the massive security precautions for the Pontiff’s visit. Thousands of vendors have been enlisted to help provide food, beverages, and sanitation facilities required for this event. If the Pontiff’s past appearances at announced worldwide stadiums are any indications, the local resources will be totally maxed out.
There have been repeated reports of anti-Pope violent protest demonstrations groups including an escalation of death threats as the scheduled event nears. It has been reported, that the Pontiff has pleaded that if any attempts are made, only be on his life and not on the masses of people who are coming to these events. He is undaunted by his mission to attend these planned events.
The Pope’s airplane departed Rome and is on its way to India for a planned three day schedule of private and group meetings with various non-Catholic religious leaders from the entire region, who have asked for inclusion in the Pontiff’s itinerary.
If previous excursions by the Pontiff are any indications, the meetings have produced a flurry of extended communications among religious denominations with the Holy See in Rome, and unprecedented unification talks. It thus would appear that the Pontiff’s push for unification is taking the world religions by hurricane forces. Everyone seems on fire whether for or against, but it would appear that unification efforts are making major strides.
On the Pope’s plane everyone is multitasking in order to ensure that the Pontiff’s scheduled itinerary is confirmed. Biographical and thematic briefs are being prepared for the Pontiff on the various individuals and groups that are to meet with him in order to maximize the effectiveness of intended dialogs that are to be discussed within allotted times.
All of a sudden, the plane inexplicably surges upward similar to a rocket lifting for a space flight, with huge flares propelled from the rear and under the aircraft, going in various directions. The oxygen masks quickly fall above the passengers, as instructions blare from the speakers for everyone to buckle up for evasive procedures. Everyone is cringing to glimpse out the windows to see what is going on. In the distance below them, they now see multiple explosions in rapid succession, causing the aircraft to vibrate violently in various directions with each explosion.
The pilot quickly comes on the radio. “Please be assured, we are now safe, with no damage to the aircraft, and will be able to land safely at our destination. We have reported the surface to air missiles strikes to the military, and they have launched fast response teams to deal with the situation. “Please be assured that I am a veteran combat pilot and the aircraft was purchased from the President of The United States, who is committed to keeping the Pontiff safe. This is a very sophisticated and capable plane. We are now at cruising altitude, and will have a calm flight till we reach our destination. I apologize for your discomfort and turbulence. The flight staff will help to restore the cabin to preflight conditions, and have available clothing to change if required. Thank you for your understanding.”
Although the inside of the plane was in a disheveled state, no injuries were reported; the staff was quick to respond to everyone’s needs and calm restored among the passengers, including the Pope. The Pope then spoke over the speaker system. “My dear staff, I also apologize for the scare, but I could not warn you ahead of the potential threats on my life and to those of you within my entourage. But I had been warned by Jesus, that these things would occur and not to worry, that I would be safe till he calls me to my eternal rest. In that, I also assumed that His protection would extend to you also. So rest assured we are indeed in the palm of His hands. Please rest comfortably for the remainder of the flight, giving thanks to Our Lord for our safety and the work ahead of us in India. Thanks be to God!”
Upon arriving and meeting the crowd at the airport, the Pope is asked if he had a good flight. His response was, “Yes indeed, this is an amazing aircraft, and it was like being in the palms of the hands of The Lord Jesus himself, Amen.”
The First American Pope Page 20
