The Pope's revelations underscore the intense security urgencies surrounding his trip, reflecting on both the dangers and the commitment to his mission.
Pope Francis Reveals Foiled Assassination Attempt in New Autobiography
Pope Francis Reveals Foiled Assassination Attempt in New Autobiography
In his upcoming memoir, Pope Francis details a thwarted assassination plot during his historic visit to Iraq in 2021, aided by British intelligence.
Pope Francis’s new autobiography shares alarming details of an assassination plot against him, uncovered with the help of British intelligence during his 2021 trip to Iraq. According to excerpts released by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the Pope received a dire warning upon his arrival in Baghdad, stating that two suicide bombers were targeting him at an event. The papal visit was significant, as it marked the first time a pope had traveled to Iraq amid heightened sectarian violence, particularly during the country’s struggle against ISIS.
The Pope recalled that his advisors had urged him against the visit, but he felt a deep obligation to go regardless of the risks involved. Just after his arrival, British intelligence informed Iraqi police about a woman bomber and a speeding van heading towards Mosul with plans to attack him. Fortunately, both threats were neutralized by Iraqi forces who intercepted and eliminated the would-be attackers.
This shocking episode sheds light on the intense security measures in place during the Pope’s visit, which lasted three days and was critically important for Iraq's beleaguered Christian community that has faced persecution from extremist groups. The memoir, titled "Hope," is set for release on January 14, 2024, though the Vatican has not yet commented on the revelations. As the pontiff continues to advocate for peace and coexistence, his experiences serve as a grim reminder of the enduring challenges in the region.
The Pope recalled that his advisors had urged him against the visit, but he felt a deep obligation to go regardless of the risks involved. Just after his arrival, British intelligence informed Iraqi police about a woman bomber and a speeding van heading towards Mosul with plans to attack him. Fortunately, both threats were neutralized by Iraqi forces who intercepted and eliminated the would-be attackers.
This shocking episode sheds light on the intense security measures in place during the Pope’s visit, which lasted three days and was critically important for Iraq's beleaguered Christian community that has faced persecution from extremist groups. The memoir, titled "Hope," is set for release on January 14, 2024, though the Vatican has not yet commented on the revelations. As the pontiff continues to advocate for peace and coexistence, his experiences serve as a grim reminder of the enduring challenges in the region.
