Mark Consuelos prefers silent Kelly Ripa during their Italy trip

In March 2021, Pope Francis undertook a landmark trip to Iraq, making him the first pope to visit the country. Prior to this visit, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published excerpts from Pope Francis's upcoming autobiography, 'Hope', in which he candidly discussed the serious threats to his safety during this trip. Authorities received a tip from British intelligence regarding two imminent threats—a suicide bomber and a van filled with explosives targeting his route in Mosul. Despite the warnings and advice against proceeding, Pope Francis insisted on continuing with the four-day visit to underscore the historic presence of Christians in Iraq. Pope Francis's visit to Iraq was not only unprecedented but also significant given the backdrop of recent conflict in the country. Mosul had experienced occupation by the Islamic State group, which had devastating consequences for the local population and their cultural heritage. In the years leading up to the pope's visit, Iraq had been gradually re-establishing stability after the expulsion of ISIS in 2017. The pope's visit aimed to provide hope and solidarity to the Christian community, which had suffered greatly in the turmoil following the invasion. During his time in Iraq, the pontiff toured historically significant sites and met with local Christians, further reinforcing his message of peace. According to the autobiography excerpts, Pope Francis learned about the neutralization of the threats upon inquiring with his security team. The commander of his security detail informed him that Iraqi police had successfully intercepted the threats and dealt with them before they could reach the pope. These developments highlighted the risks involved in his visit, and how close it had come to potentially disastrous outcomes. Nevertheless, Pope Francis's determination to bridge gaps and support marginalized communities persisted. The impending dangers did not deter people from welcoming the pope; on the contrary, it reinforced the urgency and importance of his presence. Observers noted that his interactions with the local populace and the symbolism of his presence in a war-torn area bore distinctive significance. The visit ultimately resonated as a pivotal moment in interfaith dialogue and reconciliation efforts in a region known for sectarian strife, emphasizing the continuous need for respect and coexistence among diverse religious groups.