Pope Francis reveals suicide bomber terror plot to kill him foiled by British intelligence

Pope Francis has revealed that British intelligence services foiled a plot by suicide bombers to assassinate him during his historic visit to Iraq in 2021.

The pontiff, who turned 88 yesterday, made the disclosure in excerpts from his upcoming autobiography “Hope”, published in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The Pope writes that after landing in Baghdad, his security team was informed of a planned double suicide bombing targeting an event he was due to attend in Mosul.

The attack was thwarted following a crucial tip-off from UK intelligence to Iraqi police.

According to the Pope’s account, a female suicide bomber “packed with explosives” was heading towards Mosul to carry out an attack during his visit.

“A van had also set off at great speed with the same intention,” he wrote in the autobiography.

The threats emerged immediately after his arrival in Baghdad, despite the visit taking place under intense security measures.

British intelligence quickly alerted Iraqi police about both threats, who then informed the Pope’s security detail upon his landing.

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When asked about the fate of the would-be attackers, the Pope revealed a telling exchange with security officials.

“The commander replied laconically: ‘They’re no longer here.’ Iraqi police had intercepted them and made them explode,” Francis wrote.

He added: “This struck me as well… This is the poisonous fruit of war.”

The 2021 visit marked the first time a Catholic pontiff had visited Mosul, making it one of the most significant and risky foreign trips of Francis’ 11-year papacy.

“Almost everyone advised me against” the visit, Francis wrote, but he felt he “had to do it”.

Standing in the wreckage of a Mosul church, the Pope urged Iraq’s Christians to forgive injustices and rebuild.

Then speaking from Baghdad’s presidential palace, he called for “an end to acts of violence and extremism” in a country that had suffered from wars, terrorism and sectarian conflicts.

The autobiography, titled “Hope” and written with Italian author Carlo Musso, is set to be published on January 14.

The book was originally planned to be released after Francis’ death, but will now coincide with the start of the Vatican’s Holy Year.

Pope Francis will officially inaugurate the Holy Year during Christmas Eve celebrations.