How to Respond If Pope Francis is the False Prophet

By Dr. Kelly Bowring

Dr. Kelly Bowring is a Catholic Theologian and author of the bestseller “The Secrets, Chastisement, and Triumph” and of“The Signs of the Times”. This article was originally published on March 13, 2014 by Two Hearts Press LLC in their website:www.TwoHeartsPress.com

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 shakethe faith of many believers… in the form of a religious deceptionwhich will be one of apostasy.  (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 with the reign of Pope Francis (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. And it 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 very person 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 be such 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 to embrace all creeds with equal rights: Evangelicals, Catholics, and all denominations, a true communion 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’.]”

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 sacraments will 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 Judas in 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 divisions and 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 to flounder, 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 see cardinals 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 uproar against 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, and Her 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. A recent prophecy about Pope Benedict XVI stated:

Pope Benedict XVI is being plotted against within his own corridors by an evil sect… Pray that they do not drive the Pope away. Pray that the false prophet will not take the seat of the Holy Father so that he can spread lies. Pray that those sacred servants in the Vatican are strong enough to withstand this evil plot designed to destroy the Catholic Church. They plan to replace the Holy Vicar Pope Benedict XVI with a dictator of lies. He will create a new church in league with the anti-christ and his group in order to deceive the world… Great division will emerge within the ranks of priests, bishops, archbishops and cardinals. One side against the other. (Eventually) those true disciples will have to hide and preach privately or else be killed. So hidden will the true church be that the true faithful will have to bind together in order to practice their allegiance to My Eternal Father… My beloved Vicar’s days are now numbered. He will have left the Vatican before The Warning takes place.

This source prophesied that Pope Benedict would leave the papacy before his death, and ONE-YEAR LATER TO THE VERY DAY of her reported prophecy, he surprised the world by announcing his retirement. The devil does not know the future! Her messages say Benedict would be secretly forced out, to which much evidence has been presented by those who have investigated it, though he himself also states that the resignation itself was done freely. Several other prophecies of this same source have come true as well. This source also states:

The False Prophet will ensnare My beloved children through his charismatic, charmful ways. The False Prophet will take up position in the Holy See of Rome… My children be aware, however, that the False Prophet will have you believe he is also preparing you for [the new earthly] place of Paradise. His lies will enthrall a naïve group of Catholic followers. He will present a wonderful and loving external charisma and all of My children in the Catholic Church will be confused. One sign to look out for will be his pride and arrogance hidden behind an exterior false humility. So fooled will My children be that they will think he is an exceptional and pure soul. He will be treated like a living saint. Not one word out of his mouth will be questioned. He will also appear to have supernatural gifts and people will instantly believe he can perform miracles. Anyone who opposes him will be criticized and considered a heretic. All such souls accused of being heretics will be cast aside and fed to the dogs. (MDM)

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 MDM and 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.

According to St. Pius X’s prophecy, this would make sense. He stated:

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.

John of the Cleft Rock (14th Century) also 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., Antichrist will 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.

Cardinal 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).

Recent Popes also agree about our times.

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 confrontation humanity 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 confrontation between 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.

II. What to Expect from the False Prophet According to the Prophecies

Here are seven “signs” of the False Prophet to watch out for:

1. Parades (False) Humility with Masterful Deception: Evil is pride masked as humility while masquerading. Every “humble” thing he does will be intentionally broadcast through the media, and he will claim to just be a normal humble person while his campaigns will show him to be a shameless exhibitionist. This propaganda will be exploited to raise his own popularity and seeming egalitarianism. Instead of defending the Faith, he will seek to impress the world’s Catholics by his actions and teachings. His performance of humility will not only be used to denigrate Benedict XVI and the rest of his predecessors, but to portray Benedict XVI as some uncharitable hardline traditionalist. If this occurs in the current pontificate, then we will start to see two sides dividing: Francis Catholics vs. Benedict Catholics.

He will not be who he appears to be, as the False Prophet he will be one of the greatest deceivers in human history, thus he will appear even perfectly to be the opposite of what he is, even more so than if he was really who he appears to be. Thus, he will come across playing his part more perfectly than a real Pope would, at least at first. All other Popes will be shown to have been less than they should have been, in the light of who he pretends to be. He will appear to be a Pope of Popes.

But, his inconsistency with tradition and veiled self-promotion will be one of the “signs” of pretension that he is the False Prophet.

2. Displays Unexplainable Charisma and Achieves Quick Global Influence: Unexplainably and immediately loved by the world and the media, with an unprecedented colossal popularity, where no matter what he says or does, it will only be interpreted one way, he will engage in double speak (speaking to both sides at the same time, out of both sides of his mouth) thereby intentionally causing confusion for the faithful. He will be treated like a living saint. Such a force will accompany him that not one word out of his mouth will be questioned. After some time, he will also appear to have supernatural gifts and people will believe he can perform miracles. Anyone who opposes him will be criticized and considered a heretic (the very opposite of what is true). All such souls accused of being heretics will be ridiculed and belittled, and even persecuted.

Example of his double speaking might be like this: “Of course we know that marriage is traditionally between a man and a woman, and so it shall remain; but we must also be tolerant and compassionate to those in same sex unions, who have (legal) rights as well. In today’s world, we must meet the people where they are; and who are we to judge anyway; thus, we shall require priests to grant them a blessing from the Church for the good of all.”

3. Utilizes the Law of Gradualness (and Popular Support) to Thwart Any Opposition: The hidden agenda of the False Prophet will be to move step by step, always in two directions simultaneously (in the direction of seeming to respect Church teaching and in the direction of altering itseemingly for a good reason), such that the changes that will occur will be minor enough that the faithful will not be aroused or alarmed sufficiently to see beyond the apparent good will of the Pope. As such it will be too difficult to mount a clear defensive to stop him. By way of small almost imperceptible steps – whereby the updating of Church teaching becomes modernizing becomes actual change becomes heresy – with a progression that is ever so cunning that it becomes unstoppable, and in such a way that it is even defended by the faithful who are not aware of the deception and the agenda that is unfolding because of its gradual nature and the double-speak that surrounds it.

4. Projects Openness to Doctrinal Revision and Sets Course for Apostasy: The False Prophet will mislead the Church into heresy, which is discussed as the first seal of the Book of Revelation, when the truth faith will be twisted, when the Church is presented with a new watered down doctrine. Ask yourself: Is Pope Francis taking steps that are possibly laying the groundwork for changes to doctrine and morality, even to the emergence of a one-world religion? If he is the False Prophet, Francis will not simply commit occasional theological mistakes in his rhetoric, but instead, he will move more and more toward openly professing a false faith, thus demonstrating that the faith he holds and professes is false, showing himself to be a heretical anti-pope, and confusing many by portraying the true Faith with a secretly false faith. He will also come up with a solution to unite all churches as one. Hailed as a modern innovator, he will be applauded by the secular world because he will condone sin. He will bring in new laws, which will, not only contradict the teachings (morality and doctrine) of the Catholic Church, but which will go against all Christian laws. This does not mean it will be easy for all to see, for he will use cleverly-crafted reasons, couched in a soft gentle manner, to blind many from the Truth. Every liberal bishop and theologian will have the ear of this Pope, and his praise. These Church leaders will also talk in double-speak in their efforts to undermine Catholic doctrine – their words of love and their quotes from Holy Scripture will be used only to deceive us, and they will scheme to make various reckless and confusing statements to the public – and in turn the False Prophet Pope will laud them as innovators. As this occurs, it will be required for all faithful Catholics to choose whose side they are on, or they will find themselves on the wrong side by default!Unfortunately, many will embrace their false leaders’ lies and laxities rather than face the challenges of the Truth. St. Robert Bellarmine stated: “It is granted to (only a) few to recognize the true Church amid the darkness of so many schisms and heresies, and to fewer still to love the truth, which they have seen, as to fly to its embrace.”

Thus, many of the faithful will be misled. Divisions will ensue. Then the False Prophet will prepare for the Antichrist to rule the new one-world religion, and together they will work to deceive all of God’s people. But the true Church shall not be prevailed against. The truth of Revelation as handed down to us in the Church through Scripture (the Bible) and Tradition (the Catechism) cannot be changed. And we may never do evil (like changing morality or discounting doctrine), even for a good reason. The sure “sign” of heresy and of the False Prophet is the changing of any doctrine, for any reason, even a cleverly disguised reason such as for the sake of (false) mercy, compassion, or unity – as exemplified by the following three examples currently being discussed around the Vatican:

– False mercy in granting Communion (without valid annulment) to Catholic couples who are divorced and civilly remarried, even though they are in the state of adultery

Bible Verse: “Whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.” Matthew 19:9

Catechism Citation: “The Church maintains that a new union cannot be recognized as valid, if the first marriage was. If the divorced are remarried civilly, they find themselves in a situation that objectively contravenes God’s law. Consequently, they cannot receive Eucharistic communion as long as this situation persists.” CCC 1650

– False compassion and excessive tolerance in requiring priests to grant a Church “blessing” to gay unions, even as a means to avoid discrimination

Bible Verses: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, not adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, not drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9 RSVCE

“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” Romans 1:26-27

Catechism Citations: “Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity,tradition has always declared that ‘homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered.’They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved… [Even] this inclination is objectively disordered.” CCC 2357-8

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring.” CCC 1601

“‘God himself is the author of marriage.’ The vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator.” CCC 1603

“Holy Scripture affirms that man and woman were created for one another… ‘So they are no longer two, but one flesh.’” CCC 1605

The fact is that this is beginning to happen, and it was prophesied to happen. On prophecy states: “The abolition of sin will be introduced through the introduction of laws which will be seen to endorse tolerance. They include abortion, euthanasia, and same sex marriages. Churches will be forced to allow same sex marriages and priests will be forced to bless them.” (MDM)

– False unity (ecumenism) in allowing non-Catholics to Communion in the Catholic Church through doctrinal compromise or revision and through changes to the Sacraments themselves

Bible Verse: “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself,and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body (accepting all the doctrine of the Church and being in a state of grace in full communion with the Church), eats and drinks judgmenton himself.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-29

Catechism Citations: “Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion.”  CCC 1385

Those who receive the Eucharist must “have the required dispositions.”(CCC 1388) They must be in full communion with the Catholic Church, accept all the doctrines of the Church’s Tradition, and be in a state of grace.

Ecclesial communities derived from the Reformation and separated from the Catholic Church, ‘have not preserved the proper reality of the Eucharistic mystery in its fullness, especially because of the absence of the sacrament of Holy Orders.’ It is for this reason that, for the Catholic Church, Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible.” CCC 1400

Those who receive the Eucharist must “give evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding these sacraments (including the Real Presence) and possess the required dispositions.” CCC 1401

Our Church is more and more under attack – from without and from within. What we will see is an attempt to fundamentally transform the Catholic Church, even from within her hierarchy. Is this not the very “doctrines of demons and pretensions of liars” that St. Paul warned would be sanctioned in the latter times (1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-5)? And if so, make no other conclusion, the wrathof Godwill indeed be directed against those who suppress the truth (Romans 1:18). Perhaps that can also be said toward anyone who suppresses the heavenly messages contained in these prophecies as well.

5. Instigates Divisions and Wars Secretly: The False Prophet will guide the Church to be caught up in revolutionary wars and internal divisions leading to a falsification of the Christian Faith so as to create a new religion fashioned in humanism, not Revelation, according to man’s ways, not God’s. Such wars are discussed as the second seal of the Book of Revelation, which will set the stage for the rise of the Antichrist who will come to power as a false peacemaker with his deceptively loving humane exterior. Be on your guard. Through his despicable deceit, the Antichrist will be seen as the messenger of love, peace, and harmony in the world. He will show a façade of charm, with seeming compassion and love for all. At this point, the False Prophet will be pushed to one side for a time, because the Antichrist will now enter the world stage, as foretold. When you hear the media reports of the new, promising, skilled, peace negotiator, you will know who he is. He will be a very close ally of the False Prophet and is under no illusion as to who he is. The whole world will then fall under his spell. He will confuse many and tell people that all things are good, when they are bad, and holy, when they are not. He will shield and promote the wolves that want to devour the souls of God’s children; but true believers will know who he is.

6. Supports the New World Order and One-World Currency: The False Prophet will give over his mesmerizing global worldwide influence to the man of lawlessness who will arise as a (false) peacemaker to end the global war that is soon coming and to assist him in establishing the new-world order, which is discussed in Chapter 13 of the Book of Revelation. And the Antichrist will control humanity through the new one-world currency and the mark of the beast. Then the persecution led by the New World Alliance will commence. We must take courage and be ready to receive some blows for the Truth. As Benedict XVI recently said: “The courage of the truth is, in my eyes, a criterion of the first order of sainthood” in these times.

7. Assists in The Great Persecution: These two persons, the Antichrist and the False Prophet, are under the direction of Satan, and will bring all humanity to the brink of destruction. Persecution will evolve slowly and be subtle at first, following the law of gradualness. The False Prophet and the Antichrist will work in unison, in order to bring about desolation upon the world, which will result after the abomination in the Catholic Church has been fulfilled. All truth regarding Christ’s teachings will be twisted. Everything will be a lie.

The False Prophet, who will head up the shell of the Catholic Church on earth, will order mankind to worship the human leader of the Antichrist rather than God (Rev. 13:14-15). Then, the Sacraments will only truly be available from those priests (and other Christian clergy) who remain loyal to Christ and to the truths of the Faith. The problem is that those who side with the Antichrist and the False Prophet will be seen to be doing great good in the world, while those who follow the Laws of God will be demonized and sought out and persecuted. The Two Witnesses, the Catholic Church and the House of Israel, will testify against the false christ and the false church, and they will be persecuted, both externally and from within. A time will come when it seems both have been destroyed. But God will intervene, and they will rise again to form the New Heaven and the New Earth.

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 another article. 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 towww.TwoHeartsPress.com