VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has revealed a chilling detail about his groundbreaking visit to Iraq in March 2021, the first-ever trip by a Catholic pope to the country. The trip, considered one of the riskiest during his 11-year leadership of the Catholic Church, involved a direct threat to his life.
In his upcoming autobiography, titled Hope, set to be published on January 14, Pope Francis disclosed that British intelligence had alerted the Vatican to an assassination attempt targeting his visit. Shortly after landing in Baghdad, Iraqi police informed the pope of at least two suicide bombers planning to strike one of his scheduled events.
One of the threats was a young woman carrying explosives, reportedly heading to Mosul to detonate during the pope’s appearance. Additionally, a van was speeding toward the same location with similar intentions, as recounted by the pope in an excerpt published by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
The Mosul Visit: A Symbol of Peace
Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, was a key stop during Pope Francis’ trip. The city, once under the brutal rule of the Islamic State from 2014 to 2017, had seen immense devastation. The pope visited the ruins of four churches destroyed during the conflict and used the moment to make a powerful appeal for peace and reconciliation.
While the Vatican remained tight-lipped about specific security measures during the trip, Iraq deployed thousands of additional security personnel to ensure the pope’s safety. Many events during the visit were limited to smaller audiences due to lingering COVID-19 concerns.
The Outcome of the Threat
When Pope Francis inquired about the fate of the would-be bombers, an Iraqi security official provided a brief yet chilling response: “They are no more.” According to the excerpt, Iraqi police intercepted the attackers and neutralized the threat.
The pope’s reflections on this harrowing experience underline the dangers he faced during his visit to Iraq, a journey that symbolized hope and unity for a region scarred by conflict.
A Glimpse into the Autobiography
Pope Francis’ forthcoming book promises more personal insights into his papacy, including untold stories of resilience and faith. Earlier this year, he also released a memoir offering reflections on his spiritual journey.
This extraordinary revelation underscores the risks leaders like Pope Francis are willing to endure to spread messages of peace, even in the face of grave danger.
