Pope Francis has revealed that he narrowly escaped a double suicide bombing during his historic visit to Iraq three years ago, attributing the thwarted attacks to the efforts of British intelligence and Iraqi police.
The shocking revelation was made in his upcoming autobiography, Spera (Hope), excerpts of which were shared with Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, the pontiff’s 88th birthday. In the book, written by Italian author Carlo Musso and set to be published in January, Pope Francis recounts the near-death experience in detail, shedding light on the intense security concerns surrounding the visit.
Narrow Escape from Deadly Plot
In Spera, Francis describes arriving in Baghdad in March 2021 and being informed that two suicide bombers were targeting the venue where he was scheduled to appear. “An event was targeted by two suicide bombers,” he writes in the book. Both attackers were intercepted and killed before they could carry out their deadly mission, according to the excerpts published by Corriere della Sera.
The visit, which marked the first-ever papal trip to Iraq, took place during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and involved an extensive security operation. Francis notes that the years preceding his visit saw a rise in sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims, with the persecution of religious minorities, particularly Christians, intensifying under groups like ISIS and other Sunni extremists.
In the autobiography, Pope Francis acknowledges that “Almost everyone advised me against” the visit, citing the high risks associated with the region. However, he says he felt compelled to proceed, seeing the trip as a critical gesture of solidarity with Iraq’s persecuted Christian community.
Foiled by Intelligence and Iraqi Police
The Pope credits British intelligence and Iraqi police for uncovering the plot, revealing how they informed his security team after he landed in Baghdad. In the book, he describes the alarming details of the attackers: “A woman packed with explosives, a young suicide bomber, was heading towards Mosul to blow herself up during the papal visit,” he writes. “And a van had also set off at great speed with the same intention.”
The Pope further notes that he asked his security personnel the following day about the fate of the would-be attackers. The response was stark: “They are no more.” The Iraqi police had intercepted and neutralized both individuals, ensuring Francis’s safety.
A Testament to Faith and Determination
The autobiography Spera explores not only the harrowing details of the attempted attacks but also the Pope’s resolve to carry out the trip despite significant opposition. His visit to Iraq, Francis writes, was motivated by a deep commitment to healing divisions and offering support to the country’s persecuted Christian population.
In a region marked by decades of conflict and religious strife, Francis’s decision to go ahead with the visit, despite the security risks, has been widely praised as an act of courage and compassion. His autobiography, Spera, scheduled for publication on January 14, continues to provide insight into the challenges and responsibilities of his papacy.
