Pope Francis reveals how UK, Iraqi intelligence helped protect him against suicide bombers in 2021
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Pope Francis has revealed how an assassinate attempt on him during a trip to Iraq was foiled following a tip-off from British intelligence, according to his upcoming autobiography, entitled Hope, scheduled for publication in early January 2025.
Francis writes that, after landing in Baghdad in March 2021, he was told an event at which he was set to appear was being targeted by two suicide bombers.
Both attackers were subsequently intercepted and killed, he said in excerpts published by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
The visit, which took place over three days during the coronavirus pandemic, was the first ever to Iraq by a pope and saw an intense security operation.
The BBC reports the years before had seen increased sectarian violence in Iraq, with fighting between Shia and Sunni Muslims as well as the persecution of religious minorities.
The country’s Christian community had shrunk dramatically, having been targeted in particular by the Islamic State group and other Sunni extremists.
In excerpts of his autobiography, Francis says “almost everyone advised me against” the visit but he felt he “had to do it”.
He says the plot was uncovered by British intelligence, who warned Iraqi police, and they in turn told his security detail once he had touched down.
“A woman packed with explosives, a young suicide bomber, was heading towards Mosul to blow herself up during the papal visit,” he says.
“And a van had also set off at great speed with the same intention.”
Francis adds that he asked a security official the following day what had happened to the would-be attackers.
“The [official] replied laconically: ‘They are no more’. The Iraqi police had intercepted them and blown them up,” he wrote.
Reflecting on the incident, Francis added, “Even this is the poisonous fruit of war.”
The trip, which included meetings with Iraqi leaders, visits to holy sites, and masses in cities devastated by the Islamic State, was hailed as a message of hope and resilience for a nation recovering from years of conflict.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis’ determination to proceed with the visit, despite the risks, underscored his commitment to fostering peace in the Middle East.
Spera (Hope) is due to be published on 14 January and expected to offer further insights into his experiences and reflections.
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