ROME. As Pope Francis celebrated his 88th birthday, excerpts from his forthcoming autobiography, Hope: The Autobiography, revealed a harrowing detail from his 2021 visit to Iraq: a suicide bombing plot against him that was foiled before it could be carried out.
The Italian daily Corriere della Sera published portions of the book, co-written with Italian author Carlo Musso, while other excerpts appeared in The New York Times. Set for release in over 80 countries next month, the autobiography offers an intimate look into the pontiff’s life and challenges, including this near-death experience.
The book recounts Pope Francis’s historic trip to Iraq in March 2021, the first-ever papal visit to the country. The visit took place amid the COVID-19 pandemic and high-security risks, particularly in Mosul—a city devastated during the reign of the Islamic State, which had targeted Iraq’s Christian communities.
Francis writes that British intelligence alerted Iraqi authorities upon his arrival in Baghdad of an imminent threat: a woman wearing explosives was en route to Mosul, intending to detonate herself during the pope’s visit. Adding to the danger, a truck carrying explosives was reportedly speeding toward the same location.
Despite the grave threat, the visit proceeded under heightened security. It became one of the most memorable moments of Francis’s papacy, marked by his powerful address amid the ruins of a Mosul church. He called on Iraq’s Christians to forgive the atrocities committed against them and rebuild their communities.
In the autobiography, Francis recalls a conversation with his Vatican security team after the visit. When he asked about the would-be attackers, the response was chilling yet succinct:
“They’re no longer here.”
He explains that Iraqi police intercepted the attackers and neutralized the threat. Reflecting on the incident, Francis writes, “This struck me as well: Even this is the poisonous fruit of war.”
The book, published by Italian publisher Mondadori, is being hailed as the first autobiography by a sitting pope. Initially intended for release posthumously, it will now come out during the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations, which Pope Francis will inaugurate on Christmas Eve.
While Hope is his first official autobiography, Francis has previously collaborated on memoir-style books, including Life: My Story Through History, released earlier this year.
Pope Francis’s disclosure of this foiled bombing plot underscores the perils of his global ministry, particularly in regions plagued by violence and conflict. His steadfast commitment to peace and reconciliation continues to inspire millions worldwide.
The book promises to offer further insights into the life and mission of one of the most influential figures of our time.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
