In a stunning revelation, Pope Francis disclosed that he narrowly escaped two assassination attempts during his groundbreaking visit to Iraq in March 2021. One of the attempts involved a young woman who was suspected of trying to carry out a suicide bombing. These chilling incidents took place in Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city and a former stronghold of the Islamic State jihadist group from 2014 to 2017.
The Pope shared the harrowing details of these assassination attempts in an excerpt from his forthcoming 400-page autobiography, “Spera” (Hope), which was released today on his 88th birthday by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. The complete book is set to be published in Italian in mid-January.
Despite being advised against the trip by numerous individuals due to the high security risks and ongoing threat of extremist violence in the region, Pope Francis felt compelled to make the historic journey. He expressed his determination to visit the Middle Eastern region devastated by violence and jihadist attacks, emphasizing his desire to pay homage to Abraham, the common ancestor of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
The Pope’s resilience and courage in the face of danger serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to promoting peace and unity among different faiths. His visit to Iraq, despite the risks, symbolizes his dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding in a region plagued by conflict and division.