Pope Francis has disclosed that an assassination attempt during his historic visit to Iraq three years ago was foiled thanks to British intelligence and Iraqi police.
The revelation comes from his forthcoming autobiography, Spera (Hope), written by Italian author Carlo Musso. Excerpts from the book, set for release in January, were shared with Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, coinciding with the pontiff’s 88th birthday.
In the memoir, Pope Francis recounts being informed shortly after landing in Baghdad in March 2021 that two suicide bombers were planning to target an event he was scheduled to attend. Both attackers were intercepted and neutralized before they could carry out their plans, according to excerpts published by the Italian newspaper.
The Pope’s visit to Iraq, the first ever by a pontiff, spanned three days and occurred amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It required heightened security measures due to the country’s history of sectarian violence, including persecution of religious minorities and targeted attacks on Christians by groups like the Islamic State.
Despite warnings from advisors urging him to reconsider the trip, Pope Francis felt compelled to proceed, stating, “I had to do it.”
The plot was uncovered by British intelligence, who alerted Iraqi authorities. A young woman carrying explosives and a speeding van were both en route to Mosul with the intention of attacking during the papal visit.
The Pope recalls asking a security official the next day about the fate of the would-be attackers. The official responded succinctly, “They are no more,” explaining that Iraqi police had intercepted and eliminated the threats.
Hope is set to be published on January 14, offering further insights into the Pope’s reflections on his life and papacy.
