In his newly released memoir Spera (Hope), Pope Francis reveals that he was the target of a foiled assassination attempt during his historic visit to Iraq in March 2021. The plot, which involved a suicide bomber, came to light as the Pope reflected on the dangers he faced during the trip, his first-ever visit to Iraq. The revelation sheds light on the security threats that loomed over his journey, especially given that he was visiting Mosul, a city once controlled by the Islamic State (ISIS) from 2014 to 2017.

Pope Francis writes in his memoir that nearly everyone around him had advised against the trip, given the volatile security situation in Iraq at the time. Despite the warnings, the Pope was determined to make the pilgrimage, emphasizing the importance of the message of peace he hoped to deliver to the Iraqi people. His visit was seen as a symbol of hope and unity for a nation recovering from the devastation wrought by years of conflict and ISIS occupation.

The foiled assassination plot involving a suicide bomber highlights the immense risks the Pope was willing to take in order to foster interfaith dialogue and offer solidarity to the Christian community in Iraq. The revelation of such a close call emphasizes the dangers world leaders face while trying to bring attention to regions in crisis. Despite the risks, Pope Francis’s resolve to visit Mosul and other parts of Iraq served as a testament to his unwavering commitment to promoting peace, even in the most perilous of circumstances.

Disclaimer:This video is taken from BBC News.