The Pope recounts an attempted bombing incident during his historic 2021 trip to Iraq, highlighting security concerns and his commitment to peace.
Pope Francis Reveals Foiled Assassination Plot During Iraqi Visit
Pope Francis Reveals Foiled Assassination Plot During Iraqi Visit
Pope's autobiography unveils harrowing details of a planned attack thwarted by British intelligence.
The Vatican City—In a shocking revelation from his upcoming autobiography, Pope Francis disclosed a foiled plot to assassinate him during his first visit to Iraq in March 2021, a journey marked by deep-seated security risks. The Pope recounts that a tip-off from British intelligence helped avert a potential tragedy as he prepared to meet an assembled crowd in Baghdad.
According to excerpts published by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the Pope was informed upon landing that two suicide bombers were targeting an event scheduled for his appearance. The intelligence shared by the UK prompted swift action from Iraqi police, who intercepted both attackers before they could execute their plans.
The papal visit, held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, was historically significant as it was the first of its kind to Iraq by a pontiff. The backdrop was troubling; Iraq had experienced a rise in sectarian violence, particularly against the country’s Christian population, which had drastically dwindled due to persecution by ISIS and other extremist factions.
In his memoir, titled "Hope," set for release on January 14, the Pope expresses the overwhelming advice from advisers against the trip, yet he felt an unwavering duty to proceed. He described a female suicide bomber and a separate bomb-laden van heading towards Mosul, which was ultimately intercepted by Iraqi security forces. Reflecting on the interception, he recounted questioning a security official who simply stated, "They are no more," indicating the fatal outcome for the would-be attackers.
Pope Francis has consistently championed peace and dialogue, denouncing extremism throughout his tenure. As he continues to address the challenges faced by Christians in Iraq and the broader Middle East, this new account underscores the gravity of his mission amidst perilous conditions. The Vatican has yet to comment on the revelations shared in the Pope's book.
According to excerpts published by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the Pope was informed upon landing that two suicide bombers were targeting an event scheduled for his appearance. The intelligence shared by the UK prompted swift action from Iraqi police, who intercepted both attackers before they could execute their plans.
The papal visit, held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, was historically significant as it was the first of its kind to Iraq by a pontiff. The backdrop was troubling; Iraq had experienced a rise in sectarian violence, particularly against the country’s Christian population, which had drastically dwindled due to persecution by ISIS and other extremist factions.
In his memoir, titled "Hope," set for release on January 14, the Pope expresses the overwhelming advice from advisers against the trip, yet he felt an unwavering duty to proceed. He described a female suicide bomber and a separate bomb-laden van heading towards Mosul, which was ultimately intercepted by Iraqi security forces. Reflecting on the interception, he recounted questioning a security official who simply stated, "They are no more," indicating the fatal outcome for the would-be attackers.
Pope Francis has consistently championed peace and dialogue, denouncing extremism throughout his tenure. As he continues to address the challenges faced by Christians in Iraq and the broader Middle East, this new account underscores the gravity of his mission amidst perilous conditions. The Vatican has yet to comment on the revelations shared in the Pope's book.
