Pope Francis disclosed in his upcoming autobiography “Hope” that he narrowly escaped two assassination plots during his groundbreaking visit to Iraq in March 2021.
Security Alerts and Immediate Threats
According to the excerpts published by Italian media, British intelligence had warned the Vatican’s security team about an imminent threat. A young woman, reportedly a suicide bomber, was en route to Mosul to attack during the papal visit, accompanied by a rapidly moving van with similar intentions.
Swift Action by Iraqi Authorities
The Iraqi police successfully neutralized both threats before they could be executed, preventing potential disaster.
A Journey Against All Advice
Despite widespread caution from advisors due to the risks posed by terrorism and the ongoing Covid-19 situation, Pope Francis insisted on proceeding with the visit. He wrote, “I wanted to get to the bottom of things. I felt I had to do it,” underscoring his determination to connect with the people and places of Iraq.
Security Measures and Historic Travel
The visit, which was Pope Francis’s first international journey in 15 months, involved stringent security arrangements by the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the Vatican Gendarmerie, and local Iraqi forces. The Pope traveled extensively within Iraq, visiting key cities like Baghdad and Mosul, which had been severely impacted by conflict with the Islamic State.
A Testament to Faith and Courage
At 88 years old, Pope Francis’s reflections in his autobiography illustrate not only the dangers he faced but also his commitment to peace and solidarity, showcasing a significant moment in his papacy and the history of papal travels.
