Iraqi ambassador Habeeb Al Sadr has warned that Pope Francis visit to Albania and Turkey could get the life of the pontiff in danger with threats of ISIL attacks allegedly being planned. The 77-year old world leader of the Catholic church is set to visit the dominantly Muslim country this month, as well as Turkey by November. Al Sadr said that Pope Francis needs to up his security to ensure the success of his trip because the Islamic militants from Iraq and Syria are plotting moves to assassinate him. The Iraqi official, however, cleared that he doesn't have any specific intelligence on the said threat.
"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," the ambassador told La Nazione, an Italian daily.
"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."
Despite this, the Vatican insists that there will be no additional security on Pope Francis Visit To Albania And Turkey.
"There is no reason to change the pope's itinerary," the Rev. Frederico Lombardi said while explaining that there were no specific threats or concerns.
"We are obviously paying attention but there is no need for concern or a change to his program in Albania."
In Pope Francis visit to Albania, the 77-year old religious leader is expected to highlight the life of Albania born Mother Teresa.
"In Albania, Mother Teresa is a national heroine, as well as a figure of extraordinary Christian holiness," Fr. Lombardi explained.
He is also expected to visit the country's Tirana's Catholic university and meet leaders of Christian denominations and religious communities.
