By Dr. Kelly Bowring, Author of the bestsellers “The Secrets, Chastisement, and Triumph” and “The Signs of the Times”
I think Pope Francis is the Pope who fulfills the apocalyptic prophecy during the period relating to the last Pope of the Malachy prophecy. There simply is no more room for another Pope according to this prophecy before the final events unfold. A year ago, after examining the credible heavenly prophecies of our times and their relation to the election of the new Pope, I wrote an article explaining that it was “plausible” (seems reasonable, but not yet certain) that the prophecies might be true concerning their declaration that Pope Francis is the False Prophet.
Today, a year into his pontificate, mounting evidence of credible heavenly prophecy and of Pope Francis’ own actions, teachings and unfolding agenda that aligns with the prophecy have me now thinking it is not only plausible, but also even “possible” he is the False Prophet… it is quite possible.
As a Catholic theologian, I say this with great trepidation, and I ask the reader to hear me out before drawing your own conclusion. It is apparent to faithful Catholics today, and more and more so as the past year progressed, that some of Pope Francis’ actions and teachings have raised legitimate and serious concerns. This article asks you to look at the disconcerting actions and statements of Pope Francis and the “Francis effect” in the light of the potentially related prophecies about him. Of course, time will make things clearer as to his plans and agenda, as he moves beyond his now famous rhetoric toward implementation. So for now, I withhold any conclusions, instead giving Pope Francis the benefit of the doubt, always remaining obedient to the Church as a faithful Catholic theologian. But, alert and investigative I shall remain, and I think that if he is a valid Pope, and the prophecies are wrong and his disturbing rhetoric is just for effect, he will be glad for my vigilance on behalf of the Church.
Nevertheless, it is incumbent upon me to present to you the reader some of the reasons that have led me to this current supposition. First, I will present the credible heavenly prophecies about the False Prophet, then what to expect from the False Prophet according to the prophecies, and finally how Catholics should respond to the possibility and growing concern that Pope Francis might be the False Prophet.
I. Credible Biblical and Heavenly Prophecies Related to the False Prophet
Here are twelve sources of prophecy related to the False Prophet:
1. In the Book of Revelation, the False Prophet is mentioned as the Beast from the earth “like a lamb” who becomes the religious head of the false church. The False Prophet “deceives those who dwell on earth”. It is important to recognize that the False Prophet will be the greatest deceiver to ever live on earth, the epitome of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, pretending perfectly to be that which he is not. By this, he will lead many of the faithful into heresy, and he will eventually cause the earth to honor and worship the Antichrist (Rev. 13:12). The Catechism confirms, saying: Before Christ’s second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers… in the form of a religious deception which will be one ofapostasy. (CCC 675)
2. Objectively and of significant note, we are on the last Pope of this age according to the famous St. Malachy prophecy. St. Malachy was a twelfth century Saint whose prophecies concerned the final Pope of our time, the Pope who will reign after Pope Benedict XVI, stating about him:
In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city (Rome) will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people.
So, what does this prophecy tell us? It tells us that during the reign of Pope Francis (during the period of the 112th pope of the prophecy), we will endure the final persecution. It is not in the future, but right now. And that Rome is about to be destroyed. This also agrees with the La Salette prophecy (see below). Of the 112 Popes in the Malachy prophecy, the last pope listed,Petrus Romanus, is the only one that did not have a number. Why would all the other popes have a number except the last pope? Is this a hint about his invalidity? Possibly. So, “Peter the Roman” does not refer to the “sitting” earthly Pope; it is not Pope Francis, but possibly someone else? More on this later. And the prophecy also tells us the Judge is returning in this generation to initiate judgment, possibly to usher in the great new Era of Peace that Our Lady of Fatima foretold.
3. Our Lady of La Salette prophesied about the latter times:
Rome will lose the faith and become the seat of the antichrist… all the universe will be struck with terror, and many will let themselves be misled.
The Church will be eclipsed…
Melanie (the visionary) stated that Our Lady said the Church will be “eclipsed” in this two-fold sense: 1) “that one will not know which is the true Pope”; 2) “for a time, the holy Sacrifice will cease to be offered (validly) in churches.”
4. Our Lady reportedly stated through Fr. Gobbi:
I will bring you to the full understanding of Sacred Scripture. Above all, I will read to you the pages of its last book, which you are living. . . I am opening for you the sealed book, that the secrets contained in it may be revealed…
So, according to this prophecy, our generation will indeed experience the final battle of the Book of Revelation, and the beginning of the millennium of peace. So, these events are upon us even now.
Relating the False Prophet to the Book of Revelation, Our Lady continues through Fr. Gobbi, saying:
There comes out of the earth, by way of aid to the black beast which arises out of the sea, a beast which has two horns like those of a lamb… intimately connected to that of the priesthood… The beast with the two horns like a lamb indicates Freemasonry infiltrated into the interior of the Church, that is to say, ecclesiastical Masonry, which has spread especially among the members of the hierarchy. This Masonic infiltration, in the interior of the Church, was already foretold to you by me at Fatima, when I announced to you that Satan would enter in even to the summit of the Church. The task of ecclesiastical Masonry is that of destroying Christ and His Church, building a new idol, namely a false christ and a false church.
The Church will know the hour of its great apostasy. The man of iniquity will penetrate into its interior and will sit in the very Temple of God, while the remnant which will remain faithful will be subjected to the greatest trials and persecutions.
The apostasy will be, as of then, generalized because almost all will follow the false christ and the false church. Then the door will be open for the appearance of the man or of the veryperson of the Antichrist!
5. There is a famous prophecy attributed to St. Francis, as follows:
At the time of this tribulation a man, not (authentically) canonically elected, will be raised to the Pontificate, who, by his cunning, will endeavor to draw many into error… There will besuch diversity of opinions and schisms among the people… for in those days Jesus Christ will send them not a true Pastor, but a destroyer.
The only way Pope Francis could fulfill this prophecy, if it is true, is if he personally held a (secret) heresy in his heart at his election. Then he would not have been validly elected. If not validly elected, then he is “a destroyer” and the papacy would be vacant, with an imposter on the throne of Peter – which is at least possible.
Perhaps that’s why Our Lady of Good Success said in 1611 about our time by name that it would be a time of an apparent triumph of Satan, which will bring enormous sufferings to the good Pastors of the Church and to the faithful. Thus, the faithful were to “clamor insistently, imploring our Celestial Father that He might bring to an end those Ominous times, sending to this Church the Prelate who will restore the spirit of its priests.”
6. Bl. Catherine Emmerich prophesied:
I had another vision of the great tribulation. It seems to me that a concession was demanded from the clergy which could not be granted (perhaps forcing them to give Communion to divorced/remarrieds and blessings to gay unions)… It was as if people were splitting into two camps…
I saw also the relationship between THE TWO POPES… I saw how baleful (harmful) would be the consequences of this false church… I saw that the Church of Peter was undermined by a plan evolved by the secret sect… They built a large, singular, extravagant church which was toembrace all creeds with equal rights: Evangelicals, Catholics, and all denominations, a truecommunion of the unholy with one shepherd and one flock… I saw the fatal consequences of this counterfeit church: I saw it increase; I saw heretics of all kinds…
When the (true) Church had been for the most part destroyed, and when only the sanctuary and altar were still standing, I saw the wreckers enter the Church with the Beast (antichrist)… I see the Holy Father in great anguish. He lives in a palace other than before… I saw a strange church being built against every rule… the new heterodox Church of Rome… Everything was being done, according to human reason. I saw all sorts of people, things, doctrines, and opinions. There was something proud, presumptuous, and violent about it, and they seemed to be very successful…. The (true) Church is completely isolated and as if completely deserted. It seems that everyone is running away. Everywhere I see great misery, hatred, treason, rancor, confusion and utter blindness. O city! O city! What is threatening thee? The storm is coming, do be watchful!
[I also saw the various regions of the earth. My Guide (Jesus) named Europe and pointing to a small and sandy region, He uttered these words: ‘Here is Prussia (East Germany), the enemy.’ Then He showed me another place, to the north, and He said: ‘This is Moskva, the land of Moscow, bringing many evils’.] To read more on the prophecies of Russia and the coming second wave of communism, see this article.
7. Pedro Regis, whose reported messages have his Bishop’s published recognition, reports Our Lady saying:
The day will come when the (true) Pope will be taken from his throne… Laws will be passed to impede the action of the church…
In the great final battle, the smoke of the Devil will arise in the house of God, but the light of the Lord will prevail… the lack of love for the truth and the disrespect for the sacramentswill lead many of the consecrated to the abyss of apostasy… The future of the Church will be marked with a great division and a sad religious dictatorship. Peter will encounter Judasin his way… Betrayal will touch the throne of Peter… A decision will be made and there will be great confusion in the palace (the Vatican)… The future will be marked by divisionsand scandals in the Church of my Jesus…
Treachery will touch the throne of Peter… marked by a serious conflict between the true Church and the false one.
St. Peter will direct his barque amidst great tempests. The Barque of St. Peter is going toflounder, and there is going to be great confusion…
An apparently good and just man will appear. He will deceive many people, for he will realize great prodigies. He will come FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE and many people will consider him as a savior. Pay attention and don’t be deceived…
There will be TWO THRONES, but only on one will be the true successor of Peter… an arrogant Pope will divide the Church. His orders will be obeyed and what is precious will be thrown out. A great spiritual confusion is on the way… the one who could have been Peter will become Judas. He will open the doors for the enemy and will make men and women of faith suffer… The church will be without Peter… a war will explode on Rome and there will be few survivors.
Listen to the true magisterium of the Church and flee from the lies of the devil.
8. Our Lady of Akita stated about these times:
The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will seecardinals opposing cardinals, and bishops against other bishops. The priests who venerate me will be scorned and opposed by their Confreres. The churches and altars will be sacked. The Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord.
9. Sr. Elena Aiello (d. 1961), who was declared Blessed on September 14, 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI, prophesied the following:
Russia will march upon all the nations of Europe, particularly Italy, and will raise her flag over the Dome of St. Peter’s. Italy will be severely tried by a great revolution, and Rome will be purified in blood for its many sins, especially those of impurity!… Oh, what a horrible vision I see! A great revolution is going on in Rome! They are entering the Vatican. The Pope is all alone; he is praying. They are holding the Pope. They take him by force.
10. Jesus reportedly prophesied through Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta saying:
The nations for which I had a predilection, Italy and France, are the ones which have denied Me the most… They will also be the ones which will wage war more against the Church…
Man has lost religion. Religion is ignored by some of the very ones who call themselves religious… this is why man lives like a beast – he has lost religion…
The Church is so full of interior bitterness, and in addition to the interior bitterness, She is about to receive exterior bitternesses. I saw people starting a revolution, entering churches, stripping altars and burning them, making attempts on the lives of priests, breaking statues… and a thousand other insults and evils… there seemed to be a general uproaragainst the Church… I saw many priests running away from the Church and turning against the Church to wage war against her. (Jesus says this happened because they focused on human and worldly things, which in turn hardened their hearts to divine things.)
Jesus speaks further about the religious, priests, and enemies of the Church, saying: In the religious, in the clergy, in those who call themselves Catholics, My Will not only agonizes, but is kept in a state of lethargy, as if It had no life. How many pretend to be my children, while they are my fiercest enemies! These false sons are usurpers, self-interested and incredulous; their hearts are bilges of vice. These very sons will be the first to wage war against the Church – they will try to kill their own Mother! Soon they will make war against the Church, andHer greatest enemies will be Her own children…
The more it seems that the world is apparently at peace and they sing the praises of peace, the more they hide wars, revolutions and tragic scenes for poor humanity, under that ephemeral and disguised peace. And the more it seems that they favor my Church, singing hymns of victories and triumphs, and practices of union between the State and the Church, the nearer is the brawl that they are preparing against Her.
11. Prophecies from past centuries also give some clues as to what to expect, stating:
John of the Cleft Rock (14th Century) prophesied: Towards the end of the world… the Pope with his cardinals will have to flee Rome in tragic circumstances to a place where they will be unknown. The Pope will die a cruel death in his exile. The sufferings of the Church will be much greater than at any previous time in her history… About the year 2000 A.D., Antichristwill reveal himself to the world.
Joachim of Fiore prophesied: Antichrist will overthrow the pope and usurp his see.
Premol (5th century) prophesied about the two sides divided and the fleeing Pope of the latter times:
Everywhere there is war! Peoples and nations are pitted against each other… Rome also collapses in tumult. And I see the King of Rome with his Cross and his Tiara, shaking the dust off his shoes, and hastening in his flight to other shores. Your Church, O Lord, is torn apart by her own children. One camp is faithful to the fleeing Pontiff, the other is subject to the new government of Rome which has broken the Tiara.
We are warned about how we will be treated! So why should we fight? Because God has called us to be His watchmen (see Ezekiel 33). Should we be surprised that the evil one would react this way towards us after we expose him and his hidden plans? May God guide us in His truth and mercy according to His Divine Will.
With all these prophecies about the False Prophet antipope, who then is the “Peter the Roman”of St. Malachy’s prophecy, who is supposedly currently reigning as the final pope of this era? Well, the prophetic messages of Pedro Regis, who has his Bishop’s recognition, have stated that this is none other than St. Peter spiritually reigning over the Church now from Heaven, because according to their prophecies, the earthly papacy is now vacant, held by an imposter. Whether this is true or not, I do not know, but it is possible. Time will tell. Some may interject at this point that Catholics are not required to believe in private revelation, but I ask you – Do you think God would be pleased with an outright dismissal of His prophetic word just because it makes us uncomfortable. Are not these prophecies founded in Scripture anyway? And didn’t St. Paul say regarding prophecy that we are to “test everything and hold fast to what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21) and Urban VIII say about reported prophecy that “It is better to believe than not to believe”?
12. The writing is on the wall and the finger of God put it there. If all these prophecies relate to Pope Francis, as is possible, then the prophecies of a martyred pope, as referred to in the famous St. John Bosco dream and in the 3rd Secret of Fatima and Pius X’s prophecy of a pope leaving the Vatican in haste who dies cruelly in exile, could then be referring to Pope Emeritus Benedict. Several recent Popes have prophesied about one of their successors:
According to St. Pius X’s prophecy:
I have seen one of my successors, of the same name, who was fleeing over the bodies of his brethren. He will take refuge in some hiding place; but after a brief respite, he will die a cruel death.
Does this prophecy refer to Pope Emeritus Benedict? Quite likely! St. Pius X prophesied that the Pope who flees Rome and dies a cruel death has the same name as his. Pius X and Benedict XVI both have the same given name of Joseph.
Thus, Benedict might be the “Bishop in white” who is martyred in the 3rd Secret of Fatima and the Pope who is martyred in John Bosco’s dream.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger stated about the 3rd Secret of Fatima and thus in general about these prophesies: The vision speaks of dangers and how we might be saved from them. In other words, these are warnings and are at least in part conditional. Nevertheless, the prophecies of the False Prophet and the Antichrist in the Book of Revelation shall be fulfilled, including that they will be thrown alive into the fiery pool (Revelation 19:20).
On May 11, 2010, while traveling on a plane to Portugal, Pope Benedict XVI was asked about the Third Secret of Fatima the pope answered, stating, “The sufferings of the Church come precisely from within the Church, from sins that exist in the Church.” Further, on May 13, 2010, before 500,000 pilgrims at Fatima, he stated, “Whoever thinks that the prophetic mission of Fatima is over, is deceiving himself.” He had also stated after becoming pope,“Pray that I don’t flee for fear of the wolves.” And just before becoming Pope, John Paul II famously stated: “We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontationhumanity has gone through. I do not think that wide circles of American society or wide circles of the Christian community realize this fully. We are now facing the final confrontationbetween the Church and the anti-Church, of the Gospel versus the anti-Gospel.” Just a few years before this, Pope Paul VI had told the world: “The tail of the devil is functioning in the disintegration of the Catholic world. The darkness of Satan has entered and spread throughout the Catholic Church even to its summit. Apostasy, the loss of the faith, is spreading throughout the world and into the highest levels within the Church.”
Interestingly, St. Faustina wrote in her diary that her “worst day of suffering” where she felt as if she was in Gethsemane (where Jesus was betrayed by Judas) was the SAME EXACT DAY POPE FRANCIS WAS BORN. She writes:
December 17, [1936]. I have offered this day for priests. I have suffered more today than ever before, both interiorly and exteriorly. I did not know it was possible to suffer so much in one day. I tried to make a Holy Hour, in the course of which my spirit had a taste of the bitterness of the Garden of Gethsemane.
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