Four arrested as ISIS plot to 'blow up Pope' busted by FBI

It comes after the group allegedly claimed on social media that Argentine Pope Francis would be the "last Pope". 

The group, described by authorities as "highly dangerous", are also accused of threatening the US ambassador to Kosovo and spreading jihadist propaganda online. 

They also have links to jihadists in Syria, according to reports, with the raids centring on the Italian cities of Brescia, Vicenza and Perugia. 

The Pope is based in the Vatican in Rome, and ISIS has threatened attacks on the Italian capital, which has been on red alert since the Friday the 13th Paris attacks. 

The quartet allegedly made sick posts praising the atrocities in France that left 130 dead.

All four are from Kosovo, Italian media reports, with a manual on how to carry out a terror attack allegedly found on one of the suspects' computers.

The arrests from the Italian authorities came after they received intelligence from the FBI in the US.

The Pope has been on a tour of Africa this week, touring dangerous locations such as the Central African Republic.

The gang’s "mastermind” is believed to have lived in Italy before being arrested in Kosovo.

The other three were arrested in Italy, where they have been living for some time.

Security has also been tightened at borders, airports and key sites across Italy.

If proven, this is not the first time militants pledging allegiance to ISIS have threatened the Pope.

During his first visit to the US in September, a Pennsylvania teen claiming allegiance to ISIS was arrested on suspicion of planning an attack on the pope during his visit to Philadelphia.

Police found firearms in possession of the 15 year-old when they raided his home.

(dailystar.co.uk)