In his new autobiography, Pope Francis reveals that an assassination attempt on his life was foiled in 2021. According to excerpts published by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, two suicide bombers planned to target him in the Iraqi city of Mosul in March of that year.
Three years ago, Pope Francis made a historic four-day visit to Iraq, marking the first time a pope visited the country. Despite being advised against the trip, he proceeded.
Upon his arrival in Baghdad, police warned him about the planned attack involving a female suicide bomber heading to Mosul. Mosul held significance as it was under the control of the Islamic State from 2014 to 2017.
During his visit, the pope saw several ruined churches. He later inquired about the fate of the would-be attackers and was told they had been intercepted and “blown up” by police.
Source: NOS