VATICAN CITY — In a revelation from his upcoming autobiography “Hope,” Pope Francis unveiled that his milestone visit to Iraq in March 2021 was shadowed by two foiled assassination attempts identified by British intelligence. The details disclosed in this book, scheduled to be published on January 14, 2025, marked the first time these incidents have come to light publicly.
Upon his arrival in Baghdad, the Vatican’s security cadre briefed Pope Francis about two imminent threats during his visit to Mosul. The threats were specific — a woman equipped with explosives and a fast-moving van. Both threats were neutralized by Iraqi police before they could reach the Pontiff, as officially communicated to the Pope by Vatican Gendarmerie whom he inquired the next day about the fate of the bombers.
Despite considerable opposition from numerous advisors who highlighted the risks amid ongoing sectarian tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis, aged 88, insisted on visiting Iraq. He aimed to show support for Iraq’s Christian community, significantly diminished after years of conflict.
Throughout his three-day stay, the Pope’s security was a collaborative effort between the Vatican Gendarmerie, the Pontifical Swiss Guard, and local Iraqi law enforcement. They vigilantly countered any threats, keeping subversive elements at bay.
While there, the Pope’s agenda included significant engagements, notably a historic meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Shia Islam’s highly regarded cleric, in Najaf. This encounter epitomized years of delicate Vatican planning aimed at fostering dialogue between Christians and Muslims. None of Pope Francis’s predecessors had managed to accomplish this, highlighting the significance of his trip.
The Pope’s autobiography, titled “Spera” in Italian, is a candid revelation of multiple facets of his papacy, including these security incidents. Originally intended for release after his passing, the publication date has been moved up to coincide with the launch of a Jubilee celebration, a festive and reflective time anticipated by Catholics worldwide.
During his tour to the devastated city of Mosul, Pope Francis described the scene from above as resembling an “X-ray of hatred,” a vivid reflection of the grim repercussions wrought by years of sectarian strife.
The potential consequences of the assassination attempts had they succeeded are manifold. Such an event would have likely precipitated the election of a new pope, cast doubt over the Iraqi government’s capacity to protect high-profile guests, and potentially intensified global religious tensions. This disclosure follows an earlier assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in May 1981 in Vatican City.
Since his inauguration as the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis has ventured on over 40 international trips, consistently emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue and reconciliation in regions plagued by strife.