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A military hospital Monday pronounced the Turk who shot Pope John Paul II in 1981 unfit for military service, ending days of speculation over whether Mehmet Ali Agca would be forced to serve.

Agca, 48, made his first public appearance since he vanished after his release from prison last week. He evaded mandatory army service in 1980, a year after escaping from a military prison.

Agca has been known for frequent outbursts and claims of being the Messiah.