The power of an undead pope.

Vatican watchers are questioning how a newly elected pope might function while a living “past Pope” resides within the Vatican.  Some warn that “Benedict XVI may be too frail to continue as Pope, but even in retirement he will be able to keep an iron grip on the church... Benedict XVI has embarked on an unprecedented and potentially perilous endgame. He will know his successor, witness his progress, exert an influence just by being alive… The Catholic Church has entered the era of a watchful undead pontiff” (The Times, February 17, 2013).

Will the new Pope “toe the Vatican line” and “continue on the same path” as his predecessors, or will he bring about reforms to revitalize a corrupt church? (Der Spiegel, February 18, 2013).  One thing to realize is that popes operate with long-term objectives, mindful of how they can influence coming years, decades, and even centuries! 

Bible prophecy indicates that the Roman church will play an increasingly powerful role on the world scene, even bringing wayward Protestant churches back into the “fold” (see Revelation 17). Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI both worked hard to re-connect with the Protestant churches. In addition, this new pope will likely play a powerful role in moving forward the “European experiment.” We are now seeing significant events occurring that will shape both “the woman” who rides the beast, and the Beast itself!

For more information on this fascinating topic, be sure to review our booklet The Beast of Revelation.