Pope Francis, the Mafia, and the Beast of the Earth
Pope Francis at St. Peter’s (Edgar Jiménez)
Pope Francis made some comments against the Mafia:
June 24, 2014
Speaking to a gathering of tens of thousands of people at the power base of a highly dangerous organized crime group in Italy, Pope Francis Saturday condemned the mafia’s “adoration of evil” and declared all mobsters as effectively excommunicated from the Catholic Church. http://www.christianpost.com/news/pope-francis-takes-on-the-mafia-122094/
Pope Francis May Be Risking His Life by Taking on the Mafia
When the pontiff denounced the “evil” of Italy’s mafias he was sending a message to complicit priests as well as mobsters. The dons are getting nervous, and dangerous…
Mobster hideouts often are plastered with Catholic icons, including rosaries, crucifixes and statues of the Virgin Mary. But on Saturday, when Pope Francis visited the epicenter of the ‘Ndrangheta criminal gangland in Calabria, he made it clear that organized crime had to end, calling the ‘Ndrangheta’s activity an “adoration of evil and contempt for the common good.” …
“Those who in their lives follow this path of evil, as mafiosi do, are not in communion with God. They are excommunicated,” said the Pope. “This evil must be fought against. It must be pushed aside. We must say no to it.”
Francis’s message was not just meant for the gangsters. John Dickie, professor of Italian studies at University College London and author of several books on Italian organized crime including the recent Mafia Republic, told The Daily Beast that the pope was talking to the priests, too.
“The real audience of Pope Francis’s message was the local church,” Dickie told The Daily Beast. “There is a very long history of silence and complicity with the Catholic Church and the Mafia. For years many priests have been happy to allow the Mafia to dress themselves up as upstanding members of communities.” …
In an interview with Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper, Gratteri, who lives under constant police protection for his own anti-Mafia work, said the pope should be cautious. “If the godfathers can find a way to stop him, they will seriously consider it,” Gratteri said. “Those who have up until now profited from the influence and wealth drawn from the church are getting very nervous. For many years, the mafia has laundered money and made investments with the complicity of the church.” http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/23/pope-francis-may-be-risking-his-life-by-taking-on-the-mafia.html
No, Pope Francis did not officially excommunicate the mafia
By now, the news is everywhere: the Pope has declared the mafia excommunicated from the Catholic Church: “Those who in their life have gone along the evil ways, as in the case of the mafia, they are not with God, they are excommunicated,” he said on Saturday in the Italian city of Calabria. But did Francis really excommunicate the entire mafia from the Catholic Church?…
Francis’ critique of the mafia should not be seen as an official excommunication, according to Chad Pecknold, an assistant professor of theology at Catholic University of America. In Roman Catholicism, an official excommunication is a strict censure that deprives the excommunicated of fellowship with the rest of the Church body. When a Church member is excommunicated, she is not allowed to take communion. Excommunication, though severe, is not irreversible. According to Canon Law, the censure is “medicinal,” meaning it’s given to a Catholic in the hopes of urging him to repentance. As Pecknold explained it to me, the Pope’s comment was “just something he said in a homily — which is not a vehicle for disciplinary pronouncements.” Further, excommunication is “only for individuals,” and not entire organizations. http://www.vox.com/2014/6/23/5834038/no-pope-francis-did-not-officially-excommunicate-the-mafia
The Mafia should be condemned and Pope Francis has taken certain steps that the Mafia does not care for. Whether or not the Mafia will have him killed remains an open question.
But what is not a question is the popularity of Pope Francis. The media tends to like how he looks and acts, but this can be very dangerous. The Bible warns of a lamb-appearing leader that will have connections to Rome, known as the Beast of the Earth.
Notice what the Bible says:
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15)
11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Revelation 13:11-17)
Pope Francis has made many statements suggesting that he wants to have more governmental control over economic matters. Although Pope Francis has not shown the supernatural signs that Revelation 13 tells of yet, many seem to think that he looks like a lamb.
Notice some comments about the Beast of the Earth from two sources:
Revelation 13:11
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Another beast – “the false prophet” (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10).
Out of the earth – society civilized and consolidated, still, with all its culture, of earth earthy: as distinguished from ‘the sea,’ the agitations of peoples, out of which the world-power and its kingdoms have emerged. ‘The sacerdotal persecuting power, Pagan and Christian: the pagan priesthood making an image of the emperors, which they compelled Christians to worship, and working wonders by magic; the Romish priesthood, inheritor of pagan rites, images, and superstitions, lamb-like in Christian professions, dragon-like in word and act’ (Alford, from the Spanish Jesuit Lacunza, or Ben Ezra). As the first beast was like the Lamb in being, as it were, wounded to death, so the second is like the Lamb in having two lamb-like horns (its essential difference is marked by its having TWO, the Lamb SEVEN, Revelation 5:6). The paganism of the world-power, seeming wounded to death by Christianity, revives.
The harlot-apostasy of the Church answers to the healing of the wound. When she has been eaten by the beast and burned with fire (Revelation 17:16), the second beast (Antichrist) brings back the first beast’s paganism, recommending it by a spiritual form and earthly culture. (from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
The Beast from the Earth
This beast is presented to our notice (Rev 13:11): “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a serpent.” Though this beast is mentioned after the beast from the sea, it does not follow that he came into existence after the sea-beast. The work he did seems to show the very contrary; for it is by his instrumentality that mankind are led (v 12) “to worship the first beast” …
He was the great wonder-worker, and answered exactly to the terms of the prophecy, when it is said (v 13), “he doeth great wonders, and causeth fire to come down from heaven in the sight of men.” … As in recent times, we hear of weeping images and winking Madonnas, and innumerable prodigies besides, continually occurring in the Romish Church, in proof of this papal dogma or that, so was it also in the system of Babylon…
If we examine the history of the Roman empire, we shall find that here also there is a precise accordance between type and antitype…the old Pagan title of Pontiff was restored, it was, through means of the corrupt clergy, symbolised, as is generally believed, and justly under the image of a beast with horns, like a lamb; according to the saying of our Lord, “Beware of false prophets, that shall come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Hislop A. Two Babylons. 1858)
Does Pope Francis look like a lamb to many? Notice the following news item out of Canada that a reader sent me late yesterday:
23 June 2014
Those who think Pope Francis is just a nice old fella in white who will spend his pontificate kissing babies and blessing the faithful had better give their heads a shake.
Popes have the power to shape our world. And Francis is already at it…this savvy Jesuit is also well aware of his political clout.
In a recent interview with a Spanish magazine he said politics is a form of love and “leads to the common good,” and that anyone who doesn’t get involved in politics for the common good is being selfish.
Human rights, demands for economic justice, refugee rights, sexual and reproductive morality, and peace — these are all profoundly political issues. Global issues.
And while many in the West guffaw at the idea, the majority of our planet considers religion and politics inextricably entwined, a political order informed by faith.
Pope Francis is striding onto the global stage with this platform in his pocket.
King makers
For centuries, the Catholic Church has had a heavy hand in crafting the world…The men behind the cold stone walls of the Apostolic Palace have started wars (the Crusades), brokered ceasefires (Uganda), shaped emperors (Constantine, Charlemagne) and rather casually divided South America between the Portuguese and the Spanish…
Casual, warm and ready to wade into a crowd, Francis has the kind of charisma that TV cameras love, and secular politicians can only envy.
But, behind the scenes he’s a man on a different mission…From its observer status at the UN, to its hazy role in the European Union. From winning the release of political prisoners and aid workers in the Middle East, to serving as a back channel for talks with Hamas and sub-Saharan warlords, Vatican diplomats have the potential for ambiguous, nebulous but very profound influence….
Francis may have caught a break. His non-dogmatic approach, his willingness to work around traditional diplomatic protocol, may allow him a freedom that secular diplomats don’t have.
His seemingly unilateral actions regarding Palestine and Israel — his very public condemnation of economic inequalities inherent in capitalism — speak to a pope ready to take on the toughest of situations.
It is also an approach that enables him to tackle one of the Catholic Church’s greatest problems: relevancy in the modern world.
For while people may not be pleased to be told what they should and shouldn’t do in their bedrooms, most are sure to welcome a more peaceful world. http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/pope-francis-strides-onto-the-global-stage-1.2682572#
In general, the media is interested in those who sound like they want peace. Many in the media like Pope Francis. The Bible warns about false declarations of to be followed by destruction.
3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:3-6)
The ecumenical and inter-faith movements which Pope Francis promotes, along with the UN and others, WILL NOT RESULT IN REAL AND LASTING PEACE. It is PAGAN and condemned by the Bible (Revelation 17)! Protestants are also part of this and more and more are falling for the ecumenical appeals (see Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! and Pope Francis speaks of ecumenism to 52,000 Pentecostals and others). The Bible tells that the ecumenical/inter-faith movement will also end in destruction (Revelation 18 & 19).
The Bible also tells of a deal, which is likely a peace deal, that will come to pass (Daniel 9:27). At least one pope will give some type of approval to this deal. But that deal will end in destruction–the breaking of the deal in Daniel 9:27 will usher in the start of the Great Tribulation, and the end of the USA (Daniel 11:39). And shortly thereafter (Daniel 11:40), War is Coming Between Europeans and Arabs!
While speaking against the criminal activities of the Mafia is good and the Bible says that peacemakers are blessed (Matthew 5:9), the Bible warns about the final Beast of the Earth that will appear to many as a peaceful lamb, but instead will be a disastrous dragon. Whether or not that is Pope Francis remains to be seen, but the reality is that even if he is not the final Beast of the Earth, he is making statements that will set up for the final rise of the Beast of the Earth–a beast that Jesus will have destroyed after His return (Revelation 19).
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Blood Moons and Prophecy There are four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Do they signal the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ? A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? Former Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now Pope Francis. According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? Could Francis be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? Could a Jesuit be “the black pope”?
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Amazon Book What does the Bible say about a pope near this time? Is the final pope to be an antipope and antichrist? Does Catholic prophecy point to Pope Francis as being the dreaded “Peter the Roman”? This 186 page book provides information and answers.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle This electronic version of the printed book which is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle.
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