III. How Catholics Should Respond to the Possibility that Pope Francis might be the False Prophet
Catholics believe that by the will and teaching of Christ, the Magisterium of the Church is protected with the charism of infallibility such that by the power of Holy Spirit the Pope cannot ever err in his official teaching on matters of faith and morals. The true Church will never err in faith and morals. As Catholics, we know this is true. So let no one tamper or interfere with the Word of God.
On the other hand, if a Pope personally embraces a heresy (false doctrine or immorality), even in secret, then he is de facto no longer Pope. So then, if a Pope teaches a false doctrine (or changes doctrine), then this is the sure “sign” he is not a valid Pope, as I have addressed in my recent book, The Signs of the Times, and in a related article here. In such a case, his teachings should not be obeyed and he should not be followed. Faithful Catholics must be attuned to this possibility, especially given the heavenly prophecies related to this and given the serious concerns Pope Francis continues to raise, as well as the path he seems to be leaning toward. But, due to our required obedience to the Magisterium, we cannot decide exclusively for ourselves whether he is in heresy and thus invalid. We must wait until the Church’s otherwise highest authority (like Pope Emeritus Benedict) declares it so and presents the clearest evidence.
But people are already asking how they should respond to the possibility that Pope Francis might be the False Prophet? Here are six ways, as follows:
1. Remain obedient and vigilant. In conscience, heart, mind, and will – remain obedient to Pope Francis, and consider him a valid Pope – for the time being. Know that the Church’s Magisterium shall remain infallible, though not in the False Prophet and his lies, whoever he is. Anyone who supports gay unions, birth control/contraception, abortion or euthanasia, women priests, watered-down doctrine and other heresies must be avoided.
And given Pope Francis’ track record in light of the growing evidence of prophecy, we should stop praising him and his troubling actions; while standing loyally with him (for now) as Pope; praying for him; and asking for clarification, while remaining vigilant for the good of souls and the Church. We desire nothing more than to be faithful to the Pope. We must also see our way through this moment with solid reasoning and faith. This situation now requires a determined vigilance.
2. Remain alert and investigative. Don’t bury your head in the sand and hope it will all blow over. Given both the prophecies and the Pope’s track record of troubling statements, it is permitted and even proper given these circumstances to be evaluative and even somewhat critical of Pope Francis’ actions and teachings. As Catholics, it is permitted to consider the possibility that he may be the False Prophet, while not yet concluding it. Thus, at this point, it is not helpful to excessively praise everything he says and does, mistakenly thinking that this will make you a better or more faithful Catholic in the process. Instead, we should look at what he is saying and doing with a critical eye of reason, as the times call for it, while keeping our faith intact. Indeed, this situation that is brewing may scandalize us. But, let us recall St. Thomas Aquinas who quotes Gregory saying: “If people are scandalized at the truth, it is better to allow the birth of scandal, than to abandon the truth.” Remember, suspicion does not mean a conclusion of guilt, only the possibility of guilt, and thus the need for an investigation. And, as far as what we should do, just share these prophecies and papal concerns – “The truth is like a lion. You don’t have to defend it. Just let it loose. It will defend itself,” says St. Augustine. So be watchmen of the Church’s morals and doctrine and ambassadors of these heavenly prophecies. For a time still, even if things get worse, do not be surprised if even good Bishops and theologians are confused and misdirected in their leanings and enthusiasms. Soon enough, if things are as prophesy indicates, they will become clearer to them and to large numbers of the faithful. Be patient and persevering.
3. Remain United in the truth of Christ. What happened to – let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’? We will not allow our faith to be tampered with; we know our doctrines and morals are irrefutable and unchangeable. Even if some of the leaders of the Church want to change us (and Christ) or leave us (and Christ) behind – wanting to split us and divide us, we will not be divisive. If these prophecies are fulfilled (as it is evidently headed), then we shall not be dividing from the Church, but they from us. All that we need to do is stay right where we’ve always been in the truth of the Church’s faith and doctrine. Where the true Church will remain. Governed by the Word of God in the Catechism and the Bible, along with the true Magisterium.
Will there be backlash for this article, probably. Will it be fierce, possibly? Why am I writing it? The fact is that Satan hopes to poison our minds towards the Lord’s prophecies and keep the veil over our eyes concerning the unfolding of his plans. We must realize this and try not to succumb to the evil one’s plan to divide us and to use each other to attack the other. He will turn one against the other. He will create doubts and divisions. It is clear that we must prepare for spiritual battles that will pour a terrible deluge of hatred not only upon these heavenly messages but also toward those who promote them. We must not allow these attacks to stop us. I recommend that we respond by ignoring these attacks, and that we move forward and give the world these heavenly messages as quickly as we can. Many, when presented with these messages, will feel a compunction to listen to them, as we do, and they will then be given graces to see the Truth of revelation and the truth of events as they unfold.
Remember, you do not have to follow anyone who is preaching heresy (moral or doctrinal errors). There is a deceitful schism developing in the main body of the Church between Catholics who want to overthrow the Church’s teachings and doctrine and the faithful remnant who don’t. Those who promote apostasy, not the faithful who remain true to doctrine, will cause the new schism. When they go too far, if this is Pope Francis’ real agenda, then we will have to look to the “worthy Shepherd” of Benedict XVI to extricate the error and restore to the Church to its beauty (as Bl. Tomasuccio de Foligno prophesied a Pope would do). As to the rest, leave all to the Lord’s will.
4. Remain charitable. You will respond one way or another to the information in this article, by acknowledgment or disagreement. If you consider the possibility that these prophecies might be true, then spread this article. God does not give His prophecy to the few open-minded faithful only, but to all the faithful. He wants His revelation shared and spread, to anyone who will listen and respond. And realize that many, especially at this point, will not yet agree. They will not be able to see or consider the situation, yet. Do not try to argue your perspective. Present the information. Pray for discernment. Pray for the Pope and the Church, for true mercy, compassion, and unity. Let us pray for one another and for unity in the truth. Time will make things more clear one way or another. Pope Francis is either the False Prophet, which is a real possibility, or he is not, and someone else is. It is either going in this direction, or it is not, and criticism of this message won’t change it. If it is going in that direction, you will be glad God informed you through His prophecies beforehand anyway, even if you initially rejected them.
5. Remain hopeful. God is in control, and the events of these times are in His Providence. Remember that God brings good out of all things for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). And He foretold these things through Daniel and St. John in the Bible and through many heavenly prophecies, so that we would have courage as the events unfold and so that we would recognize that He wants us to respond with hope and faith in Him. Fear is not from the Lord. Make our own Psalm 91: I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’… I will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day. Christ shall take care of us and our loved ones, and know that He has sent His Mother to assist us in a special way in these times.
6. Remain prayerful. Prayer is the only way to victory and peace. The prophecies of the False Prophet are close to fulfillment. According to the Book of Revelation, and these other prophecies, the False Prophet must be in place as the first seal in the Final Battle, even before the other seals of wars, famines, epidemics, the 1st seal of the great apostasy before the 2nd seal of the apocalyptic wars. The False Prophet will be the false Elijah, the false John the Baptist, who validates the rising anti-christ. Through his religious authority and global influence, he will help solidify the authority of the Antichrist. But, we in turn will assist in the defeat of the evil one. And to do this, we must pray. Pray, pray, pray!
It seems the last Pope of Malachy’s prophecy may be in place and the great apostasy is commencing soon. For those who have eyes to see, the final storm is rising. We must bear witness to the Truth of the prophecies foretold, even as painful as they are. One thing about prophecy – it is never easy to hear, much less accept. But, the fruits of prophecy are always what the Church needs and what God wills. Thus, John Paul II is encouraging us from above: “This is no time to be ashamed of the Gospel… It is the time to preach it from the rooftops.” Whether Francis is the False Prophet as various prophecy indicates specifically and much other prophecy alludes to, this is both plausible and possible, but time will tell. We must pray for the Catholic Church, including Pope Francis, that all will remain in the Truth of Jesus’ Revelation and of His death on the Cross. If you share or repost this article, please do so in its entirety.Couragio!
For more information on the prophecies of our times, go to www.TwoHeartsPress.com.
May God bless you Dr. Kelly Bowring. Shalom.
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