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Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026
Outside the box.
British Intelligence Thwarts ISIS Plot Targeting Pope Francis in Iraq
Pope Francis discloses near-miss assassination attempts during his historic 2021 visit, highlighting ongoing threats in the region.
In an astonishing revelation, Pope Francis has disclosed that British intelligence services thwarted a potentially catastrophic assassination plot by ISIS during his visit to Iraq in 2021.
According to the Pope's newly released autobiography, 'Hope,' the intelligence tip-off averted two suicide bomb attacks meticulously planned to coincide with the papal visit.
Despite the looming threat, Pope Francis pressed on with his journey to Mosul, a city emblematic of the suffering endured by Iraqi Christians under Islamic State rule.
The plot involved a young female suicide bomber and a truck allegedly laden with explosives, both headed to Mosul as part of a coordinated strike to disrupt the papal visit.
British intelligence communicated the imminent danger to Iraqi authorities and the Vatican's own security, enabling swift action to neutralize the threats.
With characteristic resolve, Pope Francis continued his mission, undeterred by the risks.
Describing his trip to Iraq, Pope Francis wrote, 'The police informed the Vatican gendarmes about the intelligence from the British.
Even though almost everyone implored me not to go, citing extremely high security concerns, I felt compelled to proceed.' His determination was emblematic of his broader message to the Iraqi people, emphasizing resilience and peace over violence.
The significance of the Pope’s visit cannot be overstated.
It was a powerful encounter, addressing the dwindling Christian community in Iraq—a community that has plummeted from one million before 2003 to approximately 300,000 today, largely due to ongoing conflicts and threats from extremist factions.
Pope Francis' visit, guarded by armed convoys, starkly highlighted the danger faced by minority communities within Iraq.
Despite the decline of ISIS, security threats persist, exacerbated by other militant groups such as Shia militias.
In Mosul, where ecclesiastical leadership is sparse, with only a single priest serving there and no residential bishop, the risk remains palpable.
This rare insight into a modern papal mission underscores the geopolitical complexities of the region and Pope Francis’ enduring commitment to fostering dialogue amid division.
'Hope,' originally intended for posthumous publication, arrives this January, offering an unvarnished view of courage in the face of fear.
According to the Pope's newly released autobiography, 'Hope,' the intelligence tip-off averted two suicide bomb attacks meticulously planned to coincide with the papal visit.
Despite the looming threat, Pope Francis pressed on with his journey to Mosul, a city emblematic of the suffering endured by Iraqi Christians under Islamic State rule.
The plot involved a young female suicide bomber and a truck allegedly laden with explosives, both headed to Mosul as part of a coordinated strike to disrupt the papal visit.
British intelligence communicated the imminent danger to Iraqi authorities and the Vatican's own security, enabling swift action to neutralize the threats.
With characteristic resolve, Pope Francis continued his mission, undeterred by the risks.
Describing his trip to Iraq, Pope Francis wrote, 'The police informed the Vatican gendarmes about the intelligence from the British.
Even though almost everyone implored me not to go, citing extremely high security concerns, I felt compelled to proceed.' His determination was emblematic of his broader message to the Iraqi people, emphasizing resilience and peace over violence.
The significance of the Pope’s visit cannot be overstated.
It was a powerful encounter, addressing the dwindling Christian community in Iraq—a community that has plummeted from one million before 2003 to approximately 300,000 today, largely due to ongoing conflicts and threats from extremist factions.
Pope Francis' visit, guarded by armed convoys, starkly highlighted the danger faced by minority communities within Iraq.
Despite the decline of ISIS, security threats persist, exacerbated by other militant groups such as Shia militias.
In Mosul, where ecclesiastical leadership is sparse, with only a single priest serving there and no residential bishop, the risk remains palpable.
This rare insight into a modern papal mission underscores the geopolitical complexities of the region and Pope Francis’ enduring commitment to fostering dialogue amid division.
'Hope,' originally intended for posthumous publication, arrives this January, offering an unvarnished view of courage in the face of fear.
