Vatican undaunted by report Islamic State targets Pope Francis
September 16, 2014
The Vatican is downplaying a report that the Islamic State has targeted Pope Francis, and the Pope has refused to take extra security precautions during his visit to Albania on September 21.
Iraq’s ambassador to the Holy See, Habeeb al Sadr, issued the warning that the Islamic State might make an attempt on the Pontiff’s life, either during his visit to Albania or in November when he travels to Turkey. Both countries are predominantly Muslim.
But Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, said that there would be no changes to the Pope’s travel plans. “We are obviously paying attention but there is no need for concern or a change to his program in Albania,” he said.
While in Albania, the Pope will travel in the same open Jeep that he uses for his audiences at the Vatican.
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Further information:
- Pope Rejects Extra Security on Trip Despite Potential ISIS Threat (AP)
- Isil want to assassinate the Pope, says Iraq's ambassador to Vatican (Daily Telegraph)
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