Pope Francis Reveals Thwarted Assassination Plot During 2021 Iraq Visit

In a striking revelation from his upcoming autobiography, Pope Francis describes a thwarted assassination plot during his landmark visit to Iraq in March 2021.

The memoir, titled "Hope," details how British intelligence intercepted a plan involving two suicide bombers who were targeting an event in Baghdad during his visit. Upon arriving in Baghdad, the Pope was alerted to the potential danger.

Authorities had identified a woman equipped with explosives and a young male suicide bomber, both of whom were successfully apprehended by Iraqi police, thanks to a timely notification from British intelligence. This historic three-day visit, the first papal trip to Iraq, took place amidst the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic and was implemented with rigorous security measures.

Leading up to this visit, Iraq had experienced significant sectarian violence, marked by clashes between Shia and Sunni Muslims and heightened persecution of religious minorities. The Christian community, in particular, had faced a dramatic decline due to targeted attacks from the Islamic State group and other Sunni extremist factions.

Despite widespread warnings against the journey, Pope Francis felt an imperative to go forward, motivated by a deep sense of duty. He reflects in his memoir on the extensive security operations undertaken to ensure his safety and emphasizes the vital role that international intelligence played in averting disaster.

Set for release on January 14, the autobiography promises to provide deeper insights into the Pope's experiences and the challenges encountered throughout his papacy. As of now, the Vatican has not issued any statements regarding these new revelations, as reported by Reuters.