News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

pope-trip-to-korea-main_article_image.jpg
REX/AGF s.r.l.
World News

Iraq's ambassador to Vatican: IS want to kill Pope

Iraq's ambassador to the Holy See, Habeeb Al Sadr, said the pontiff would be under threat in the Muslim country from militant group Islamic State (IS).

IS has been advancing over parts of Iraq and Syria and has already killed thousands of Christians, with many more forced from their homes.

Pope Francis will spend Sunday in Albania and Al Sadr said there was a real risk to the Holy Father's life.

He told Italian newspaper La Nazione: "What has been declared by the self-declared Islamic State is clear - they want to kill the Pope. The threats against the Pope are credible.

"I believe they could try to kill him during one of his overseas trips or even in Rome. There are members of Isil who are not Arabs but Canadian, American, French, British, also Italians.

"Isil could engage any of these to commit a terrorist attack in Europe."

Pope Francis has spoken out about IS in the past, which has raised concerns that he could become a target.

But the Vatican has played down the warning, saying security officials are 'calm' ahead of the visit.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said: "There are no specific threats or risks that would change the Pope's behaviour or the way the trip is organised."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate