Pope Francis Reveals Chilling Assassination Attempt During Iraq Visit in 2021

Pope Francis, in a startling revelation from his upcoming autobiography "Hope," has disclosed that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during his historic visit to Iraq in March 2021.

In an excerpt published by the Corriere della Sera, the Pope shared that Iraqi authorities had informed him upon his arrival in Baghdad of a coordinated plan involving at least two suicide bombers. Both threats were intercepted just in time, ensuring his safety during the high-stakes visit.

According to the pontiff, security forces revealed a young woman, carrying explosives, was en route to Mosul with plans to detonate herself during one of his public events. At the same time, a van, reportedly loaded with explosives, was speeding toward the same location with the same deadly intent.

"A woman packed with explosives, a young kamikaze, was heading to Mosul to blow herself up during the papal visit," Pope Francis recounted in his memoir. "And a van had also set off at full speed with the same intent."

The visit to Mosul, a city devastated under Islamic State control between 2014 and 2017, marked a significant moment in Pope Francis' 11-year papacy. He visited the ruins of four churches destroyed during the conflict and made a global appeal for peace.

The Vatican, reportedly briefed by British intelligence, was aware of the assassination risks. Iraqi security forces took decisive action, neutralizing the threats before they could materialize. When Pope Francis inquired about the status of the attackers, the commander’s succinct response, “They are no more,” underscored the gravity of the situation.

The Pope's journey to Iraq in 2021 marked the first-ever papal visit to the country and was widely considered a monumental step in fostering interfaith dialogue and reconciliation. Despite the immense security challenges, the visit symbolized a message of unity and hope for a region long plagued by violence.

About the Book:
Pope Francis' autobiography "Hope" is set to release on January 14, 2025. The memoir is expected to provide deeper insights into the challenges and triumphs of his papacy.

Key Highlights:

• Suicide bombers targeted Pope Francis during his Iraq visit in March 2021.
• Threats included a young woman with explosives and a van racing toward Mosul.
• Iraqi police intercepted and neutralized the attackers, ensuring the Pope's safety.