Pope Francis has revealed in his autobiography that two attempts on his life were thwarted during his 2021 visit to Iraq, a trip marked by high security risks and the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the pope’s landmark visit to Iraq, British security services warned of a potential suicide bomber, a young woman en route to Mosul with explosives, aiming to target his visit. Additionally, there was information about a high-speed van suspected of having similar deadly intentions. These threats were neutralized by the Iraqi police, who intercepted and safely detonated the explosives.
In his new memoir, “Hope,” Francis reflects on the danger he faced and the resilience of those protecting him. The pope’s commentary highlights the ongoing challenges posed by global conflicts and their ‘poisoned fruits.’ Despite the risks, Pope Francis was steadfast in his decision to proceed with the visit, driven by the rich biblical history of Iraq and its ancient Christian communities.
This visit was historic in many ways, notably for his meeting with the Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani, a significant figure in Shia Islam. The meeting underlined the pope’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and solidarity with persecuted Christians.
The pontiff turns 88 and continues to exhibit unwavering resolve in fulfilling his pastoral duties, even in the face of personal danger.
Pope Francis’s disclosure of the assassination attempts underscores the perils religious figures may face in their missions. His resolve to visit Iraq, despite the dangers, highlights his commitment to fostering peace and unity among diverse faith communities.
