Pope John Paul II evokes near-death memories from an attempt on his life and kindles controversy by comparing abortion to the Holocaust in his new book.

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In "Memory and Identity," which went on sale Thursday, the pope for the first time wrote about his feelings in the hours after the May 13, 1981, assassination attempt. A Turkish gunman shot John Paul as he rode in an open car through St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

He speaks of his lying close to death, how he forgave his attacker and somehow remained confident he would survive though, as he put it, "I was practically on the other side," the Los Angeles Times said. An English version is expected soon.

Already, the book has generated controversy because of its linking abortion to the Holocaust -- two evils that, in his view, negate God's law.

A spokesman said the pope was referring to both as forms of the "violent destruction of human life."