Foiled Assassination Attempt on Pope Francis Revealed in Upcoming Autobiography

In his forthcoming autobiography, Pope Francis discloses a serious assassination plot that was successfully averted during his 2021 Iraq visit, thanks to vital intelligence from the UK. The Pope recounts the tense moments surrounding the threat posed by two suicide bombers and reflects on the bravery involved in undertaking the trip amidst increasing violence against the Christian community in the region.

Pope Francis's long-anticipated autobiography unveils a chilling narrative about a foiled assassination attempt during his groundbreaking visit to Iraq in March 2021. According to the Pope, British intelligence intercepted information regarding a significant threat that could have resulted in catastrophic loss of life. Reports outlined that upon arriving in Baghdad, he was alerted to the imminent danger posed by two suicide bombers targeting an event he was scheduled to attend.

The meticulously planned security operation unfolded over the three-day visit, which was conducted under the backdrop of the global coronavirus pandemic. In a country grappling with heightened sectarian violence and the continued persecution of religious minorities, particularly Christians, the Pope felt compelled to carry out this historic journey to offer hope and solidarity to the beleaguered communities. He mentions in the excerpts that the visit drew widespread skepticism, with many advising against it due to the dangerous circumstances.

Pope Francis elaborates on the details of the assassination plot, revealing that British intelligence had provided crucial warnings to Iraqi police, who promptly informed his security team upon his arrival. He describes how a female bomber and a van with explosive intentions were intercepted prior to their intended attack. Reflecting on the nature of the threats, he recounts his inquiry about the fate of the foiled attackers the following day, only to receive a blunt confirmation that they had been dramatically neutralized by the Iraqi police.

His autobiography, titled Hope, is set to be released on January 14, and it promises further insights into this remarkable visit and the ongoing challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. The Vatican has yet to comment on these revelations.