Pope Francis Reveals Escapes From Assassination Attempts In Iraq.
Pope Francis has disclosed that he survived two assassination attempts during his historic visit to Iraq in March 2021. The startling revelation comes from excerpts of his forthcoming autobiography, Hope, which were published on Tuesday by Italian media.
In the book, the Pope details how Vatican security was warned of the threats by British intelligence. “A woman packed with explosives, a young suicide bomber, was heading towards Mosul to blow herself up during the papal visit,” he wrote. He also mentioned a van speeding towards the same destination with similar intentions.
Iraqi Police Foil Attacks
Both threats were neutralised by Iraqi police, who intercepted and killed the would-be attackers. The swift action averted what could have been a devastating tragedy.
The pontiff, who celebrated his 88th birthday on Tuesday, reflected on the immense risks of the trip. “Almost everyone advised me against it,” he revealed, adding, “But I wanted to get to the bottom of things. I felt I had to do it.”
A Historic and Risky Mission
The visit to Iraq was Pope Francis’s first international trip in 15 months and took place in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the course of three days, he visited Baghdad and Mosul, a former stronghold of the Islamic State group, showcasing his commitment to fostering peace in a region marked by turmoil.
The Pope’s security, handled by the Pontifical Swiss Guard and the Vatican Gendarmerie in collaboration with local forces, was heightened during this mission. The successful visit is remembered as a courageous and symbolic gesture of unity and hope.
Hope is set to be released in January, making it available in over 80 countries, promising more insights into the life and experiences of Pope Francis.
