"Pope Francis Reveals Foiled Assassination Plot in Upcoming Autobiography"

"In his upcoming autobiography, Pope Francis details a thwarted assassination attempt against him during his 2021 visit to Iraq, highlighting the critical intervention of UK intelligence that alerted Iraqi authorities."

Pope Francis has disclosed a chilling episode involving a foiled assassination plot against him during his landmark journey to Iraq in March 2021. An excerpt from his forthcoming autobiography reveals that British intelligence tipped off Iraqi police about a potential attack involving two suicide bombers targeting one of the Pope's events. Following the alert, security measures were swiftly enacted to intercept the assailants, who were ultimately neutralized before they could carry out their deadly intentions.

This unprecedented visit, the first by a Pope to Iraq, unfolded amidst the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and a backdrop of heightened sectarian tensions. Describing the atmosphere leading up to the trip, Pope Francis acknowledges that many had urged him to reconsider. However, he felt a strong calling to proceed, emphasizing the significance of solidarity with Iraq's Christian community, which has faced persecution in recent years.

In his narrative, Pope Francis recounts a shocking revelation he received shortly after landing in Baghdad: a female suicide bomber and a van laden with explosives were reportedly en route to Mosul to execute their plan during his visit. The Pope sought clarity on the fate of the attackers during a later briefing from his security detail. The response was concise and grim: both had been intercepted and eliminated by Iraqi police.

The Pope's autobiography, titled "Hope," is set to be released on January 14. The Vatican has yet to provide a comment regarding the revelations shared in the book, which offers an unprecedented insight into the security threats faced during one of the most pivotal moments of his papacy.