Pope Francis has opened up about two assassination attempts on his life during his landmark trip to Iraq in 2021.
In a new autobiography, the pope revealed chilling details about how he narrowly escaped death during his visit to one of the world’s most volatile regions.
The first attempt came from a young woman who had explosives strapped to her body. The British security services had intercepted a report warning the Vatican about the suicide bomber on her way to Mosul.
Pope Francis also learned that a van filled with explosives was speeding towards him during his visit, its driver intent on killing the pontiff.
Despite these dangerous threats, Pope Francis continued with his visit. He was determined to show his support for the people of Iraq, especially its Christian community, one of the oldest in the world.
In the memoir, titled Hope, Pope Francis described his shock when he asked the Vatican Gendarmerie about the two bombers. The reply was stark: “They are no longer there.”
The Vatican had been told that the Iraqi police had intercepted the bombers and detonated the explosives before they could reach their target.
Pope Francis, who turns 88 this week, recalled how the news of the foiled attempts struck him deeply. “This, too, was the poisoned fruit of war,” he said in the memoir, expressing sorrow over the violence that led to such extreme measures.
The Iraq visit in 2021 was an important and historic one, as it was the first time a pope had ever visited the country. At the time, Iraq was grappling with significant security concerns due to ongoing conflicts and the remnants of ISIS operations.
The pope’s visit was considered very high-risk, both due to the security situation and the COVID-19 pandemic. But despite these challenges, Pope Francis was adamant about going.
“I felt I had to go. Iraq is a country full of biblical history, with one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. It is a place of great significance for our faith,” Pope Francis wrote.
The trip was not just about security concerns but also about showing solidarity with persecuted Christians. The pope’s visit came at a time when Christians in Iraq were suffering from the aftermath of the violent campaigns waged by ISIS and other extremist groups.
During his time in Iraq, Pope Francis also met with the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a powerful Shia Muslim leader, in a historic meeting that symbolized a message of interfaith dialogue and peace.
“I wanted to show the people of Iraq that the world still remembers them, that they are not alone,” Pope Francis said in his memoir.
The foiled assassination attempts were a stark reminder of the risks the pope faces during his travels. The Vatican, known for its global network of security teams, often faces threats to the pope’s safety, particularly when he visits politically unstable or dangerous regions.
The memoir, which is set to be released next year, also reflects on the personal challenges Pope Francis has faced during his long papacy, which has been marked by efforts to promote peace, dialogue, and religious tolerance around the world.
In his book, Pope Francis reflects on his faith, the role of the Church in the modern world, and the need for healing in a time of division.
The release of the book will likely bring even more attention to Pope Francis’ remarkable leadership and his courage in the face of life-threatening danger.
As he prepares to celebrate his 88th birthday, Pope Francis continues to embody the spirit of resilience and compassion. His words resonate not just with Catholics but with people of all faiths, as he calls for a world united by love and understanding.
With the risks of travel and the constant threats to his life, Pope Francis remains a symbol of determination and faith in a world filled with conflict. His memoir, Hope, offers readers a deeper insight into the mind of a pope who has faced death but continues to lead with unwavering devotion to peace.
