In an upcoming autobiography, Pope Francis reveals that his 2021 visit to Iraq was nearly marred by an assassination plot involving suicide bombers, rendering the importance of international intelligence cooperation in safeguarding key global figures.
UK Intelligence Foils Assassination Plot Against Pope Francis During Historic Iraq Visit
UK Intelligence Foils Assassination Plot Against Pope Francis During Historic Iraq Visit
A near disaster was averted during Pope Francis's 2021 trip to Iraq, thanks to timely intelligence provided by British officials, as detailed in his forthcoming autobiography.
Pope Francis's 2021 trip to Iraq was marked by both historical significance and near catastrophe, as he recounts in his upcoming autobiography that a plot to assassinate him was thwarted thanks to intelligence from British officials. The Pope arrived in Baghdad amidst a tense backdrop of increased sectarian violence and the deterioration of the country's Christian population, which had been severely affected by conflicts involving extremist groups.
Before making the visit, Pope Francis faced heavy advice against proceeding with the trip, especially given Iraq's history of violence during the years prior, predominantly between Shia and Sunni factions. However, the Pope felt a moral imperative to engage with the Iraqi people and deliver a message of hope amidst despair.
According to excerpts published in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, British intelligence operatives discovered a plot to target an event linked to the papal visit with two suicide bombers. Following a timely warning from British intelligence, Iraqi police acted quickly to inform the Pope's security details upon his arrival.
The nature of the threat was alarming: an explosive-laden woman and a vehicle filled with more explosives were reportedly en route to Mosul, poised to carry out the attack during the papal visit. Fortunately, the Iraqis were able to intercept the attackers; the Pope later learned they were neutralized before they could execute their plans.
In detailing this harrowing experience, Pope Francis illustrates the vital role of coordinated international intelligence efforts in protecting lives, especially those of prominent individuals in conflict zones. The general public's awareness of such threats underscores the risks posed to leaders advocating for peace and reconciliation in troubled regions.
The autobiography titled "Hope," set for publication on January 14, will further explore the Pope's reflections on his journey to Iraq and response to the challenges facing Christians in the region, while reiterating his denouncement of extremism. The Vatican has yet to provide comments regarding the revelations made in the book.
