ISIS targeted the Pope: The assassination plot uncovered at the last moment

Lebanese security forces arrested a Syrian national affiliated with ISIS, who confessed during interrogation that he received orders to assassinate Pope Leo XIV during his visit to the country last year. The suspect was unable to carry out the plan due to a lack of resources.

Lebanese security forces arrested a Syrian national affiliated with ISIS, who according to reports received orders to assassinate Pope Leo XIV during his visit to the country. The suspect confessed during interrogation that he acted under the direction of a cell in Syria, but was unable to carry out the plan due to a lack of necessary means and capabilities. Lebanese military intelligence arrested the suspect in the Batroun area in the north of the country, after a prolonged period of surveillance of his movements and activities. The suspect entered Lebanon illegally, maintained continuous contact with ISIS, and even held a position within the organization. The main mission assigned to him was to assassinate the Pope during his visit to Lebanon last year. Pope Leo XIV visited Lebanon between November 30 and December 2, 2025, as part of his first apostolic journey outside the Vatican since his election. Upon completion of the investigation, the case is expected to be transferred to the judicial system, and the suspect may stand trial for membership in an armed terrorist organization, planning terrorist acts, and attempting to harm a religious and international figure. Lebanese security mechanisms are expected to pass on to their Syrian counterparts the information provided by the suspect regarding his ties with ISIS.