Pope Francis reveals British intelligence foiled suicide bomber plot to assassinate him
3 months, 1 week ago

Pope Francis reveals British intelligence foiled suicide bomber plot to assassinate him

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two suicide bombers targeted Pope Francis as he delivered a message of peace during a visit to Iraq but were foiled by British intelligence services, he has revealed. Pope Francis became the first Catholic pontiff to visit Mosul in the war-torn country three years ago, in most likely the riskiest foreign trip of his 11-year papacy. open image in gallery Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, left, meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican He recounted one of the suicide bombers was a woman who was heading towards Mosul to blow herself up during the papal visit. Pope Francis said he later asked Vatican security what had become of the suicide bombers.

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History of this topic

Pope Francis Divulges New Details About 2021 Assassination Attempts On Him In Iraq
3 months, 1 week ago

Pope Francis Divulges New Details About 2021 Assassination Attempts On Him In Iraq

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Pope Francis’ upcoming autobiography, “Hope,” details two attempts on his life in 2021 during a historic trip to Iraq. According to Politico’s translation of excerpts from “Hope,” which were published by Corriere della Sera, an Italian newspaper, the pope wrote that he learned from British security forces that a would-be female suicide bomber was heading to the …

Pope Francis survived two assassination attempts in 2021. Here's what we know
3 months, 1 week ago

Pope Francis survived two assassination attempts in 2021. Here's what we know

Firstpost  

Pope Francis, who turns 88 today, revealed the details of the two assassination attempts in his autobiography Hope — of which an extract was published by the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera. The attempts were made during Francis’ landmark trip to Iraq in 2021 – the first ever visit to that country by a Pope. The attempts occurred during Francis’ …

Suicide bomb plot to assassinate Pope Francis in Iraq foiled when security officials 'made female fanatic explode' on her way to Baghdad, pontiff reveals
3 months, 1 week ago

Suicide bomb plot to assassinate Pope Francis in Iraq foiled when security officials 'made female fanatic explode' on her way to Baghdad, pontiff reveals

Daily Mail  

Pope Francis has revealed he was the target of an attempted suicide bombing during his visit to Iraq three years ago. Francis said in an excerpt from a forthcoming autobiography that he was informed by police after landing in Baghdad in March 2021 that at least two known suicide bombers were targeting one of his planned events. Francis' visit to …

Pope's explosive claim on birthday: 'Suicide bombers planned to attack me during visit to Iraq in 2021 but...'
3 months, 1 week ago

Pope's explosive claim on birthday: 'Suicide bombers planned to attack me during visit to Iraq in 2021 but...'

India TV News  

Rome: Pope Francis turned 88 on Tuesday and marked the occasion with revelations that he almost didn't make it. Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Tuesday ran excerpts of “Hope: The Autobiography,” written by Italian author Carlo Musso, which is being released in more than 80 countries next month. In the Italian excerpts, Francis recalled his historic March 2021 trip …

Pope in autobiography reveals an apparent bombing plot during his 2021 visit to Iraq
3 months, 1 week ago

Pope in autobiography reveals an apparent bombing plot during his 2021 visit to Iraq

Associated Press  

ROME — Pope Francis turned 88 on Tuesday and marked the occasion with revelations that he almost didn’t make it. Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Tuesday ran excerpts of “Hope: The Autobiography,” written with Italian author Carlo Musso, which is being released in more than 80 countries next month. In the Italian excerpts, Francis recalled his historic March 2021 …

Pope Francis reveals two attempts on his life during 2021 visit to Iraq
Trending News
3 months, 1 week ago

Pope Francis reveals two attempts on his life during 2021 visit to Iraq

CNN  

CNN — Two attempted attacks on Pope Francis, including one by a suicide bomber, were foiled during his landmark trip to Iraq in 2021, the pontiff has revealed in an autobiography. Francis added that he was told a van “had also left at high speed with the same intention.” Francis, who turns 88 on Tuesday, made the remarks in a …

Pope in autobiography reveals an apparent bombing plot during his 2021 visit to Iraq
3 months, 1 week ago

Pope in autobiography reveals an apparent bombing plot during his 2021 visit to Iraq

LA Times  

Mosul and Aqra Archbishop Najib Mikhael Moussa waves as he stands next to Pope Francis at a gathering to pray for the victims of war at Hosh al-Bieaa Church Square in Mosul, Iraq, in March 2021. Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Tuesday ran excerpts of “Hope: The Autobiography,” written with Italian author Carlo Musso, that is being released in …

Pope Francis presses Muslim dialogue in first papal visit to Bahrain
2 years, 4 months ago

Pope Francis presses Muslim dialogue in first papal visit to Bahrain

Firstpost  

Human rights groups and relatives of Shiite activists on death row have urged Francis to use his visit to call for an end to the death penalty and political repression in Bahrain Vatican City: Pope Francis is bringing his message of dialogue with the Muslim world to the kingdom of Bahrain, where the Sunni-led government is hosting an interfaith conference …

Pope weighed Iraq virus risk but believes God will protect
4 years ago

Pope weighed Iraq virus risk but believes God will protect

Associated Press  

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Francis said Monday he weighed the risks of a high-profile trip to Iraq during the coronavirus pandemic, but said he decided to go ahead with it after much prayer and belief that God would look out for the Iraqis who might get exposed. Francis said the idea of a trip “cooks over time in …

The Latest: Pope meets father of drowned Syrian refugee boy
4 years ago

The Latest: Pope meets father of drowned Syrian refugee boy

Associated Press  

IRBIL, Iraq — The Latest on Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq, aimed at rallying the country’s long-beleaguered Christian community and promoting interreligious tolerance : 8 p.m. Pope Francis has met with the father of a Alan Kurdi, a 3-year old Syrian boy who drowned crossing the Mediterranean Sea and whose image drew global attention to the plight of refugees …

Pope Francis visits Iraq’s war-ravaged north on last day of tour
4 years ago

Pope Francis visits Iraq’s war-ravaged north on last day of tour

The Hindu  

Pope Francis arrived in northern Iraq on March 7, where he planned to pray in the ruins of churches damaged or destroyed by Islamic State extremists and celebrate an open-air Mass on the last day of the first-ever papal visit to the country. Francis has also delivered a message of interreligious tolerance and fraternity to Muslim leaders, including in an …

The Latest: Pope Francis delivers sermon in Baghdad church
4 years ago

The Latest: Pope Francis delivers sermon in Baghdad church

Associated Press  

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Latest on Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq, aimed at rallying the country’s dwindling Christian community after decades of war and unrest : 6:40 p.m. Pope Francis is reminding Iraq’s Chaldean Catholics of one of the core tenets of the Catholic faith: that those who are persecuted, poor and mourn are blessed. ___ 5:15 p.m. Iraq’s …

Pope Francis, Iraq's Top Shiite Cleric Hold Historic Meet; Deliver Powerful Message of Peaceful Coexistence
4 years ago

Pope Francis, Iraq's Top Shiite Cleric Hold Historic Meet; Deliver Powerful Message of Peaceful Coexistence

News 18  

Pope Francis and Iraq’s top Shiite cleric delivered a powerful message of peaceful coexistence Saturday, urging Muslims in the war-weary Arab nation to embrace Iraq’s long-beleaguered Christian minority during an historic meeting in the holy city of Najaf. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said religious authorities have a role in protecting Iraq’s Christians, and that Christians should live in peace and …

Pope Francis Holds Historic, Symbolic Meeting With Iraq's Top Shiite Cleric
4 years ago

Pope Francis Holds Historic, Symbolic Meeting With Iraq's Top Shiite Cleric

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING PLAINS OF UR, Iraq — Pope Francis and Iraq’s top Shiite cleric delivered a powerful message of peaceful coexistence Saturday, urging Muslims in the war-weary Arab nation to embrace Iraq’s long-beleaguered Christian minority during an historic meeting in the holy city of Najaf. Pope Francis meets Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani Associated Press The historic meeting in al-Sistani’s …

Pope Francis meets Iraq’s Shia leader al-Sistani
4 years ago

Pope Francis meets Iraq’s Shia leader al-Sistani

Al Jazeera  

The pontiff met Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in holy city of Najaf to urge Muslims to embrace Iraq’s beleaguered Christians. Pope Francis has met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, one of the most senior leaders in Shia Islam, in Iraq’s holy city of Najaf to deliver a message of peaceful coexistence, urging Muslims to embrace Iraq’s long-beleaguered Christian minority. After …

The Latest: Pope honors massacre victims at Baghdad church
4 years ago

The Latest: Pope honors massacre victims at Baghdad church

Associated Press  

BAGHDAD — The Latest on Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq to deliver a message of hope to the country’s dwindling Christian community following years of unrest and amid a devastating pandemic : 5:50 Pope Francis is honoring the victims of one of Iraq’s most brutal massacres of Christians by Islamic militants by saying their deaths are a reminder that …

Pope Arrives In Iraq To Rally Christians Despite Pandemic
4 years ago

Pope Arrives In Iraq To Rally Christians Despite Pandemic

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING BAGHDAD — Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday to urge the country’s dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make his first-ever papal visit. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Iraqis were eager to welcome Francis’ …

Pope Francis arrives in first visit to Iraq
4 years ago

Pope Francis arrives in first visit to Iraq

The Hindu  

Pope Francis has arrived in Iraq on a visit to rally the country's dwindling Christian community after decades of war. He brings a message of peace and coexistence to comfort the country's deep-rooted Christian minority, many of whom fled the country in the successive conflicts that followed the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The Alitalia flight, with both Vatican and …

Pope Francis To Make History By Visiting Influential Muslim Cleric's Home
4 years ago

Pope Francis To Make History By Visiting Influential Muslim Cleric's Home

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING BAGHDAD — In Iraq’s holiest city, a pontiff will meet a revered ayatollah and make history with a message of coexistence in a place plagued by bitter divisions. Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani are to meet on Saturday for at most 40 minutes, part of the time alone except for interpreters, in the Shiite cleric’s …

Pope Francis embarks on historic visit to Iraq
4 years ago

Pope Francis embarks on historic visit to Iraq

Al Jazeera  

Pope arrives in Baghdad on a first-ever papal visit to comfort the dwindling Christian communities of Mesopotamia decimated by years of conflict. Francis will meet the dwindling Christian communities of Baghdad, Mosul and Qaraqosh, Iraq’s largest Christian city in the Nineveh Plains, where, in 2014, the ISIL armed group wiped out the remnants of the Christian presence that had survived …

EXPLAINER: Pope’s risky Iraq trip aims to boost Christians
4 years ago

EXPLAINER: Pope’s risky Iraq trip aims to boost Christians

Associated Press  

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is pushing ahead with the first papal trip to Iraq despite rising coronavirus infections, hoping to encourage the country’s dwindling number of Christians who were violently persecuted during the Islamic State’s insurgency while seeking to boost ties with the Shiite Muslim world. The trip will include a private meeting with Iraq’s top Shiite cleric, Grand …

Vatican defends pope’s Iraq trip amid virus as ‘act of love’
4 years ago

Vatican defends pope’s Iraq trip amid virus as ‘act of love’

Associated Press  

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican defended Pope Francis’ decision to go ahead with his trip to Iraq this weekend despite rising coronavirus infections there, saying Tuesday all health care precautions have been taken and that the trip is an “act of love for this land, for its people and for its Christians.” Francis is due to visit Iraq Friday-Monday in …

Pope moves ahead with plans to meet Shiite leader in Iraq
4 years, 1 month ago

Pope moves ahead with plans to meet Shiite leader in Iraq

Associated Press  

ROME — Pope Francis will meet with Iraq’s top Shiite Muslim cleric, Ali al-Sistani, during a trip next month that will also include a pilgrimage to ancient Christian communities that were emptied and devastated in battles with the Islamic State group. The Vatican on Monday released the itinerary of Francis’ March 5-8 visit to Iraq, his first foreign trip since …

Pope on Iraq trip: Worthwhile even if most watch him on TV
4 years, 1 month ago

Pope on Iraq trip: Worthwhile even if most watch him on TV

Associated Press  

ROME — Pope Francis said Monday he is still planning to visit Iraq in March, even if most Iraqis have to watch him on television to avoid the coronavirus. The important thing, he said, is “they will see that the pope is there in their country.” After St. John Paul II canceled a planned 2000 visit to Iraq, Francis said …

Patriarch: Pope to meet Iraqi Shiite leader Sistani in Iraq
4 years, 1 month ago

Patriarch: Pope to meet Iraqi Shiite leader Sistani in Iraq

Associated Press  

ROME — Iraq’s top Catholic official said Thursday that a deadly suicide bombing in Baghdad hasn’t thwarted Pope Francis’ plans to visit, and he confirmed the pontiff would meet with the country’s top Shiite cleric, Ali al-Sistani, in a significant highlight of the first-ever papal trip to Iraq. Brother Amir Jaje, an Iraqi Dominican who is an expert on Shiite …

Vatican: Pope to visit Iraq in March, pandemic permitting
4 years, 3 months ago

Vatican: Pope to visit Iraq in March, pandemic permitting

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Pope Francis will make a …

Pope to make first-ever trip to Iraq in March: Vatican
4 years, 3 months ago

Pope to make first-ever trip to Iraq in March: Vatican

Al Jazeera  

Vatican confirms Pope Francis’ first foreign trip since the pandemic, Iraq calls it a ‘historic event’. Pope Francis will become the first pope to visit Iraq next year, in a trip to five places, including Baghdad, Erbil and Mosul between March 5 and March 8, the Vatican said. ‘Message of peace’ Iraq’s government welcomed the Vatican’s statement, saying the pontiff’s …

Pope Francis calls on Muslim leaders around the world to condemn Islamist terrorism
10 years, 3 months ago

Pope Francis calls on Muslim leaders around the world to condemn Islamist terrorism

ABC  

Pope Francis is urging Muslim leaders worldwide to "clearly" condemn terrorism carried out in the name of Islam. "I told him it would be wonderful if all the Muslim leaders of the world - political, religious and academic - spoke up clearly and condemned the violence which damages Islam," the pontiff said. At a joint service with Patriarch Bartholomew I, …

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