Iraq’s Ambassador has reportedly issued a warning to the Vatican regarding the safety of Pope Francis, ahead of his visit to Albania this coming Sunday.
According to the Telegraph Habeeb Al Sadr is warning that ISIL’s* “band of criminals” may have the Pope in their sights and that he could be at risk of assassination.
The ambassador stated that there had been indications of more specific threats against Pope Francis, who has recently spoken out in favour of the USA and its allies with their aim to halt the advance of ISIL in Iraq and Syria.
“What has been declared by the self-declared Islamic State is clear – they want to kill the Pope,” the ambassador stated.
“Threats against the Pope are credible. Public statements and crimes against Christianity by ISIS are a fact. Just put two and two together,” he told Italian newspaper La Nazione.
“I believe they could try to kill him during one of his overseas trips or even in Rome.”
Pope Francis will travel to Albania on Sunday.
Habeeb Al Sadr also added that the Pope had made himself a target by speaking out against the human rights abuses committed against Christians in Syria and Iraq.
“This band of criminals does not just issue threats – in Iraq they have already violated and destroyed some of the most sacred sites of the Shiite faith,” the ambassador continued.
“They have declared that whoever is not with them, is against them. Either convert or be killed. And they are doing it – it is a genocide.”
Meanwhile the Vatican has downplayed the warning, stating that they have received no credible reports of a threat to the Pope’s life.
“There are no specific threats or risks that would change the Pope’s behaviour or the way the trip is organised,” said Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi. “There is no reason to change the Pope’s itinerary. We are obviously paying attention, but there is no need for concern or a change to his programme in Albania.”
He added that the 77-year-old Pope is due to celebrate Mass this Sunday in the main square of Tirana, the capital city of Albania, and then drive around in his open-topped Popemobile.
Despite the warnings, as of today, no extra security measures have been taken for the upcoming trip. This visit to Albania will be followed by a trip to Turkey in late November.
*Also referred to as ISIS – the two names have been used interchangeably by media and world leaders.
