A recent revelation disclosed how British intelligence agencies played a crucial role in averting a grave threat against Pope Francis during his visit to Iraq. A planned assassination using a suicide bomber and a truck bomb was thwarted.
During Pope Francis' milestone visit to Iraq, British spies alerted the local authorities about two assassination attempts targeting the Pontiff, enabling their interception before reaching Mosul, the US Sun reported.
The Pope made history with his unprecedented journey to Iraq, becoming the first pope ever to visit the nation. However, substantial security concerns overshadowed this significant occasion, compounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the persistent threat of violence in the region.
When Pope Francis arrived in Baghdad, Iraqi intelligence services briefed him on the security threats. They informed local authorities that a woman wearing a suicide vest and a truck loaded with explosives were heading to Mosul, planning to disrupt his visit.
Pope Francis revealed these harrowing incidents through excerpts from his forthcoming memoir, Hope. In it, he describes the chilling threats that coincided with his historic tour.
The Iraqi police swiftly acted on the intelligence provided and neutralized both threats effectively. They stopped the woman and the truck before they could carry out their deadly missions, ensuring the safety of Pope Francis and everyone attending the events during his visit.
The Pope recalled the moment he learned about the threats. He wrote in his memoir, "When I arrived in Baghdad, they told me that a woman had been wearing a suicide vest and heading towards Mosul with a plan to kill herself during the papal visit."
Reflecting on law enforcement's prompt action, Pope Francis praised the effectiveness of the Iraqi police. In an article for Corriere Della Sera, he stated, "The Iraqi police had ‘detonated’ the two bombs before they could reach me." This quick response, therefore, played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of the visit.
Additionally, the Pope asked for more information about the fate of the would-be assailants after the initial briefing. The Vatican Gendarmerie commander responded discreetly yet poignantly, saying, "When I asked the (Vatican) Gendarmerie the following day what was known about the two bombers, the commander replied, ‘They are no longer there.’"
Furthermore, Pope Francis shared his thoughts on the attempted attacks and the ongoing violence affecting regions worldwide. He lamented the tragic nature of the plots, describing them as, "This, too, was the poisoned fruit of war."
Pope Francis' visit to Iraq carried immense historical and symbolic significance. It, therefore, sent a message of peace and hope to a region long torn by conflict and strife.
Moreover, the Pope's proactive stance on engaging with communities, regardless of the risks involved, speaks volumes about his dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding among differing faith communities.
Furthermore, the successful thwarting of the assassination plots not only highlighted the effectiveness of both international and local security agencies but also ensured that the Pope's message of peace reached its destination without interference.
The global community closely watched as the events unfolded, and many expressed relief and gratitude for Pope Francis' safety. This incident sparked further dialogue on the importance of rigorous security measures during such significant international visits.
Looking ahead, the Pope will shed more light on the challenges and triumphs of pursuing peace in turbulent times through his experiences and reflections in his upcoming memoir.
In conclusion, although the Pope's visit was marked by potential tragedy, British intelligence and Iraqi police took proactive measures that ensured the continuation of a historic and peace-promoting engagement in Iraq.
