{"id":93147,"date":"2025-02-09T08:00:26","date_gmt":"2025-02-09T16:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=93147"},"modified":"2025-02-09T08:18:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-09T16:18:18","slug":"vatican-excommunicates-another-priest-who-claims-francis-is-not-really-pope-a-prelude-to-the-antipope-on-the-malachy-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/religious-news\/vatican-excommunicates-another-priest-who-claims-francis-is-not-really-pope-a-prelude-to-the-antipope-on-the-malachy-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Vatican excommunicates another priest who claims Francis is not really pope–a prelude to the antipope on the Malachy list?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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COGwriter<\/a><\/p>\n

Even after nearly a dozen years, there are Roman Catholics, including some priests, that do not accept that Pope Francis is their true leader.<\/p>\n

The Vatican is not pleased with that and just excommunicated another priest because of that:<\/p>\n

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Fourth priest ex-communicated for denying that Francis is Pope<\/h2>\n

(ZENIT News \/ Rome, 02.06.2025).- An new Italian priest has been excommunicated after publicly declaring that Pope Francis is an \u00abantipope.\u00bb Father Natale Santonocito, a 61-year-old parish priest from the Diocese of Tivoli and Palestrina, southeast of Rome, has been stripped of his ministerial duties and automatically excommunicated following a series of online videos in which he questioned the validity of Francis\u2019 papacy. His defiant stance, rooted in the claim that Pope Benedict XVI never truly abdicated, mirrors a rising undercurrent of skepticism within a faction of Catholics who have refused to recognize the authority of Francis since Benedict\u2019s resignation in 2013. The Vatican\u2019s swift response signals its determination to curb what it sees as a dangerous theological rebellion. …<\/p>\n

A Growing Pattern of Rebellion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Santonocito is not alone in his public rejection of Pope Francis. His excommunication marks the latest in a series of disciplinary actions taken against clergy who have openly questioned the legitimacy of the sitting pontiff. One year earlier, Father Roman Guidetti of Livorno delivered a homily on the anniversary of Benedict XVI\u2019s death, proclaiming, \u201cFrancis is not the Pope\u2026 he is a usurper.\u201d His bishop, Simone Giusti, declared the sermon a public act of schism, resulting in his immediate excommunication. The controversy extends beyond Italy. In November 2024, Argentine priest Fernando Mar\u00eda Cornet faced excommunication after publishing Habemus Antipapam?, a book challenging Francis\u2019 papacy. Cornet argued that only one man can hold the papal office at a time, leading him to the conclusion that \u201cif Benedict remained the true pope, then Francis must be an antipope.\u201d That same month, Father Giorgio Maria Far\u00e9, a Carmelite priest, was expelled from his religious order after releasing a video alleging that Francis had fallen into \u201cmultiple heresies,\u201d rendering his election invalid. Far\u00e9 went further, calling on cardinals appointed before 2013 to take action by convening a conclave to elect a new pope. https:\/\/zenit.org\/2025\/02\/06\/fourth-priest-ex-communicated-for-denying-that-francis-is-pope\/<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Let me add that Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan\u00f2 was excommunicated last Summer because he questioned the legitimacy of Pope Francis as well as various aspects of Francis’ agenda (see Vatican excommunicates Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan\u00f2 who responds with a warning about Freemasonsry and the WEF\u2019s influence on the Vatican<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Other Roman Catholics have raised issues.<\/p>\n

Notice something from the past put out by Church Militant<\/em>:<\/p>\n

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This Secret Society of Priests Still Won\u2019t Recognize Pope Francis<\/h2>\n

August 16, 2020<\/p>\n

Since the election upon Benedict\u2019s retirement of Jorge Bergoglio<\/a>, now Pope Francis<\/a>, Leatherby has shunned the new pontiff and continued to only refer to Benedict as the church\u2019s true leader in mass. Last week, after several warnings, he was charged with schism, defrocked and excommunicated from the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n

\u201cI continue to regard Benedict as retaining the Office of Peter, as mysterious as that might be,\u201d he wrote in an open letter to the Sacramento diocese<\/a>, referring to the belief that all new popes replace the original pope Peter. \u201cTherefore, I do not regard Bergoglio as the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.\u201d …<\/p>\n

His excommunication, which the church views as latae sententiae<\/em> or self-inflicted \u201cby his words and actions,\u201d may seem extreme, but it is likely meant as a warning to other anti-Francis clergy, Vatican analysts say. He is by far not the only Catholic priest who refuses to accept the current pope, and who, in doing so, continue to sow division in the church at large.<\/p>\n

Mike Lewis, who runs the Catholic website \u201cWhere Peter Is,\u201d wrote last week about full seminaries that consider themselves \u201cFrancis-free zones.\u201d In an article in America Magazine for Jesuits<\/em>, he pointed to popular anti-Francis voices that seek to push the opposition to this pope, including Michael Voris of Church Militant<\/em> and the very popular YouTube commentator Taylor Marshall, whose tweets and vlogs have a cult following of their own. …<\/p>\n

The movement against Francis has been fanned by the former Vatican nuncio to Washington, D.C., Monsignor Carlo Maria Vigan\u00f2,<\/a> who remains in hiding after penning a damning 11-page letter and joining forces with American cardinal Raymond Burke and anti-Francis Catholic Steve Bannon<\/a> whose joint cause to create an alternative to Francis has been renewed after an Italian judge overturned an earlier ruling to stop his alt-right university for like-minded thinkers, which he hopes to build in an ancient monastery outside of Rome. https:\/\/www.thedailybeast.com\/this-secret-cult-of-priests-still-wont-recognize-pope-francis<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Various ones have called for Pope Francis’ resignation in the past (see \u2018Former Vatican official calls for Pope\u2019s resignation amid sex abuse scandal\u2019<\/a>, Francis says no comment on resignation letter; \u2018By secular standards, the Catholic Church is a corrupt organization<\/a> and German priest pedophilia, Pope Francis calls for conference, \u2018Civil war,\u2019 and Francis pushes for salvation with Mary<\/a>). Some even thought he would resign last year (see Pope Francis to resign in February 2019?<\/a>). Some expect him to resign this year (see \u201cEnd of the world: Why Pope\u2019s 2020 resignation \u2018will fulfil 900-year-old doomsday prophecy\u2019\u201d<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Throughout the years, various ones have wondered if Pope Francis is actually Roman Catholic based upon some of his writings and statements.<\/p>\n

Here is something from 2017:<\/p>\n

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Christians asking is the pope still Catholic?<\/h2>\n

November 16, 2017<\/p>\n

Is the pope Catholic?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not a punch line.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a question being asked about the current head of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis, who critics believe is showing signs of abandoning fundamental Catholic doctrines \u2013 including the existence of hell.<\/p>\n

In a recent address, Pope Francis declared \u201ceverything will be saved\u201d<\/a> upon Christ\u2019s return.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe thought that at the end of our history there will be merciful Jesus suffices in order to have faith and not to curse life,\u201d the pope said. \u201cEverything will be saved. Everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

That would suggest the church is opening up to \u201cuniversalism,\u201d the doctrine that everyone will ultimately be given salvation,<\/a> according to Eugenio Scalfari, founder of the Italian newspaper la Repubblica.<\/p>\n

Scalfari, a major Italian journalistic and cultural influence, believes Francis has \u201cabolished the places where souls were supposed to go after death: hell, purgatory, heaven.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Instead, the souls dominated by evil will \u201ccease to exist.\u201d The pope has also been accused of even warping the words of Scripture to make God appear less judgmental.<\/p>\n

Father Thomas Weinandy, a member of the Vatican\u2019s International Theological Commission, accused Francis of presiding over \u201ca chronic confusion\u201d in a letter.<\/a><\/p>\n

The former chief of staff for the U.S. Bishops\u2019 Committee on Doctrine said the pope had demeaned the importance of doctrine and undermined church unity. Weinandy was asked to resign from his position not long after sending the letter.<\/a><\/p>\n

The pope\u2019s reign has long been marked by attacks on conservatives both within the church and the larger Christian community. Many Christian leaders are becoming fed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis man has turned the papacy into a social justice organization that seems far more concerned with global warming and poverty than the proclamation of the gospel,\u201d said Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries.<\/p>\n

\u201cCatholics should be very concerned. Pope Francis is a type of the false prophet who will reign with the antichrist. I am not saying he is the false prophet, but he has characteristics that would suggest a man just like him could step into that role. If I were a Catholic, I would be looking either for another pope or another faith such as Protestantism. Heaven and hell represent eternal issues that are sacred and no human being should be trying to alter them.\u201d \u2026<\/p>\n

Pastor Carl Gallups \u2026 agrees with Catholic dissidents that the pope has thrown the Catholic Church into confusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cThus far, Pope Francis appears to have thrown the Catholic Church into further confusion since his reign. We are undoubtedly living in profoundly prophetic times. How people can miss this truth, right before our eyes every day, is beyond comprehension.\u201d http:\/\/www.wnd.com\/2017\/11\/christians-asking-is-the-pope-still-catholic\/<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Pope Francis IS helping set up the end time for the rise of the final Antichrist<\/a>\u2013and that seems to be consistent with both biblical and even certain Roman Catholic prophecies.<\/p>\n

Also, Pope Francis\u2019 apparent diminishing of places of punishment like purgatory<\/a> will help endear him to the Eastern Orthodox<\/a>, as well as Protestants<\/a>, as they do not accept purgatory. Perhaps it should be mentioned that the prior pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI, indicated that the place called limbo<\/a> also may not exist. As far as universal salvation goes, although the Bible does not teach that, many would be surprised to realize that the Bible does teach that all will be OFFERED salvation through Jesus, and that this was the view of early Christians. For details, check out the free online book Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God\u2019s plan of salvation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Notice the following from the Catholic-publication CRUX in 2016:<\/p>\n

\u201cIs the Pope Catholic?\u201d suddenly a serious question<\/strong><\/p>\n

April 20, 2016<\/p>\n

It\u2019s always been the jokey answer to a dumb question, but it\u2019s now a serious issue for Catholic intellectuals who have been criticizing, and defending, the Catholic bona fides of Pope Francis, especially since the pontiff released a landmark document on family life earlier this month that some say calls into question the church\u2019s teachings on the permanence of marriage.<\/p>\n

\u201cA catastrophe,\u201d one traditionalist blogger<\/a> called the apostolic exhortation, \u201cAmoris Laetitia,\u201d or \u201cThe Joy of Love,\u201d which was released by the Vatican on April 8. Francis \u201cdeparts from Church teaching\u201d in the exhortation, wrote another<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuddenly the rhetorical question, \u2018Is the pope Catholic?\u2019 doesn\u2019t seem so rhetorical anymore,\u201d Claire Chretien wrote in a pointed critique<\/a> at the conservative Web outlet The Federalist.<\/p>\n

The unusual debate \u2014 after all, it\u2019s not often that a pope is accused of heterodoxy \u2014 has grown so serious, in fact, that on Tuesday evening (April 19), the Jesuit-run Fordham University hosted a panel of Catholic experts titled: \u201cIs the Pope Catholic?\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Among the four participants was New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, who has been one of Francis\u2019 leading critics on the Catholic right, openly wondering about the pontiff\u2019s doctrinal purity and whether he is leading the Catholic Church into schism. \u2026<\/p>\n

While none of the panelists directly challenged Francis\u2019 faith, Douthat was most outspoken in criticizing Francis\u2019 approach in general, and in \u201cAmoris Laetitia\u201d specifically, a document that Douthat said was \u201cdesigned to introduce a level of ambiguity into church teaching that had been absent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s clearly a deliberately destabilizing document. And whether that destabilization is good or bad is something that liberals and conservatives can argue about,\u201d he said. http:\/\/www.cruxnow.com\/church\/2016\/04\/20\/is-the-pope-catholic-suddenly-a-serious-question\/<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Amoris Laetitia<\/em> is only one of the moves by Pope Francis that is clearly unbiblical (watch Pope Francis\u2019 Tolerance of Immorality is Not Biblical<\/a>) as well as not consistent with certain Roman Catholic understandings. It should also be noted that even this week, I saw Catholic articles arguing about this.<\/p>\n

Pope Francis is even accused of promoting Freemasonry<\/a> and Protestantism<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Pope Francis has a lot of worldly popularity and is considered to be energetic:<\/p>\n

March 12, 2016<\/p>\n

Cardinal Nichols said that for him one surprising thing about Pope Francis is his \u201cremarkable energy, his vibrant presentation of the gospel\u201d and his \u201cability to maintain a very full, personal and heartfelt presence.\u201d He said he believes the reason for this energy this can be found in the Pope\u2019s deep relationship with the Lord.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing else could give a man of his age the kind of vitality and freshness that he\u2019s sustained over these past three years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cardinal Nichols goes on to describe how the Pope Francis\u2019 fidelity to the Lord and his message, together with his concern for people, \u201cespecially those on the margins of society,\u201d is what \u201ccaptures and enthralls the world.\u201d http:\/\/en.radiovaticana.va\/news\/2016\/03\/12\/uk_cardinal_the_reason_for_pope_francis_remarkable_energy\/1214733<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Bible warns about a leader that looks like a lamb to people, has the words of a dragon, but whose energetic-power is demonic:<\/p>\n

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. (Revelation 13:11-13)<\/p>\n

13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:13-14)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Notice that the above leader pushes a political agenda that many think looks good, but biblically is not. Pope Francis is working on an ecumenical and interfaith \u2018Babylonian\u2019 unity that the Bible repeatedly warns against (Revelation 17,18). To much of the world, Pope Francis looks like a lamb. His agenda aligns with those of the United Nations and many world leaders.<\/p>\n

Newsweek<\/em> had the following front cover in September 2015:<\/p>\n

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Notice something I had published in 2013, within 24 hours of Jorge Mario Bergoglio being declared Pope Francis, in my book: The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis?<\/a>:<\/p>\n

3. Do Catholic Prophecies Warn About an Antipope?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Could Pope Francis I be an \u201cantipope\u201d?<\/p>\n

Is an \u201cantipope\u201d coming? \u2026<\/p>\n

Technically, the final Antichrist could also be construed as an \u201cantipope\u201d in that he will accept changes to the current Roman Catholic religion that the \u201cKing of the North\u201d (Daniel 11:37-40) prefers and promote emperor worship (Revelation 13:14). \u2026<\/p>\n

Although some Roman Catholic scholars seem to ignore or discount the idea of a future King of the North in Daniel 11 (Kurz, p. 68), quite a few Catholic writers expect that an ecumenical pope and a conquering emperor will come on the scene.<\/p>\n

What is an antipope\/anti-pope? Here is a short definition from The Catholic Encyclopedia<\/em>:<\/p>\n

Antipope<\/strong><\/p>\n

A false claimant of the Holy See in \u00c2 opposition to a pontiff canonically elected. (\u201cAntipope.\u201d The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. Nihil Obstat.<\/em> March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur.<\/em> +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York. 25 Feb. 2013 <http:\/\/www.newadvent.org\/cathen\/01582a.htm> )<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

While historically most have considered that antipopes falsely claimed the Roman Bishopric when others had it, I would contend that it is reasonable to conclude that one who was elected under false pretenses would also be a false claimant and hence antipope. Or if a pope changed and became demonically-possessed, such as the situation involving the False Prophet of Revelation 16:13, would that not make him an antipope? Most Catholics, at least now, would tend to agree that such a one would be a false claimant to the papal role.\u00c2 If so, that would seem to make him an antipope.<\/p>\n

Although there have not been any recognized antipopes for several centuries, The Catholic Encyclopedia<\/em> shows a list of thirty individuals that have been considered antipopes (Ibid) .This is roughly one for every ten claimed \u201cBishops of Rome.\u201d \u2026<\/p>\n

Is the Pope Catholic or Will He Betray Rome?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In some households, the expression, \u201cIs the Pope Catholic?,\u201d is asked with the intent of suggesting a \u201cyes\u201d or \u201cobviously yes\u201d response to a question. Since the fourth century, the popes have all claimed to be Catholic (they were not called \u201cpontifex maximus\u201d prior to then) and the vast majority have been Roman Catholic in their faith. Some were more hypocritical, etc. and thus this author would be hesitant to claim that all the Bishops of Rome have truly held to the faith of that church.<\/p>\n

But is it possible that the last pope, who could be Pope Francis I, will not be Roman Catholic? On the surface this seems absurd.<\/p>\n

As discussed in chapter 2, prior to becoming Pope Francis I, Jorge Mario Bergoglio went to Catholic seminary, became a Catholic priest, then a bishop, then a cardinal, and then on March 13, 2013, the Bishop of Rome. So, to most he clearly is a Catholic. And Pope Francis I may well truly be.<\/p>\n

But if he is the last and final pope, then the Bible shows that he will allow compromise mightily and allow the Catholic Church of Rome to be betrayed, hence suggesting that he would not then be true to the Catholic faith.<\/p>\n

Connecting the Dots<\/strong><\/p>\n

As cited earlier, the Bible tells of a religious leader who will rise up and support the final European Beast power to the point of attempting to force people to worship that Beast (Revelation 13:11-17).<\/p>\n

Although some have suggested that the ten-horned Beast of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-4) will turn against and burn the two-horned Beast of the Earth (Revelation 13:11), based upon the teachings of Revelation 17:16-17, since this two-horned Beast is the False Prophet of Revelation 16:13 and he gets burnt by Jesus and His angels (Revelation 19:15-21, someone or something else must get destroyed in Revelation 17.<\/p>\n

The Bible specifies that the someone\/something is a city that rules over the world. Since the time of Jesus, what are the only organizations that ruled over much of the old Roman Empire from a seven-hilled city?<\/p>\n

They would include the old Roman Empire, the Church of Rome, and to a lessor degree, the Eastern Orthodox Church (Constantinople\/ Istanbul is on seven-hills, similar to Rome and had a certain prominence for about 1,000 years). They have had relations with world rulers that have not always lived up to New Testament ideals and actually are the only ones that could possibly fit the historical record.
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Now since parts of both Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophecy show that Rome wins out between the two in the end in terms of final top leader, this is consistent with the historical understanding within the Church of God that Rome is the unfaithful woman in Revelation 17. Presuming that is the case, then if one connects-the-dots, it is the Church of Rome that gets betrayed by supporters of the ten-horned Beast in Revelation 17. And since the two-horned Beast is a major supporter of the ten-horned Beast, he then has at least some responsibility in this end time destruction of the Church of Rome (for more dots to connect, see also chapters 5 and 12).<\/p>\n

Since it should be almost inconceivable that a pope that was truly Roman Catholic in the sense of the Catechism of the Catholic Church<\/em> would totally betray his church, this is why I am suggesting that the last pope will not truly be Catholic.<\/p>\n

This destruction of Rome is consistent with various Catholic private prophecies that suggest that a top Roman clergy member (like a pope) would betray their church and oversee the destruction of Rome\u2026<\/p>\n

For years I have believed that the last pope would not truly be Catholic. He would be a different type of \u201cantipope\u201d (most antipopes occurred because of disputed elections, but I have suggested that a pontiff who does not hold too many of the core beliefs of the Church of Rome would also seem to fit the definition of an antipope).<\/p>\n

(Thiel B. The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis?<\/a> Nazarene Books, 2013, pp. 22-24, 86-89)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Pope Francis has taken steps that many Roman Catholics do not believe are appropriate for the Bishop of Rome.<\/p>\n

Related to some of that, the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> put out the following video on our Bible New Prophecy<\/a> YouTube channel:<\/p>\n

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Anti-Pope Francis?<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Some cardinals and other members of the Roman Catholic clergy are concerned that Pope Francis has deviated from its traditional positions on matters such as homosexuality, salvation, fornication, remarriage, and other doctrines.\u00a0 Australian Cardinal George Pell even mentioned \u2018antipopes\u2019 when discussing Pope Francis.\u00a0 North American Cardinal Raymond Burke has raised many concerns about Francis\u2019 pontificate.\u00a0 Did Catholic saints teach that popes could become heretics?\u00a0 Will the final pope not be Catholic? Is an ecumenical pontiff possibly the final Antichrist? What do both biblical, and even Roman Catholic, prophecies warn about?\u00a0 Could Pope Francis be an antipope and final Antichrist?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Here is a link to our video:\u00a0 Anti-Pope Francis?<\/a><\/p>\n

More recently, we put out the following:<\/p>\n

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Freemasons and Vatican Officials Seek Cooperation<\/a><\/h3>\n

On February 16, 2024, some high-level clergy of the Roman Catholic Church in Italy met with three Grand Masters of the Freemasons. Since the Vatican has prohibited its members from being Freemasons, why might this be? Are there related \u2018globalist\u2019 interests? Do the Freemasons assert that Pope Francis\u2019 encyclical Fratelli Tutti<\/em> (Brothers All), saying the Church had finally embraced \u201cuniversal fraternity\u201d is in line with \u201cthe great principle of modern Freemasonry\u201d? Are there any biblical reasons to consider that the Church of Rome and the Freemasons may cooperate? What is Freemasonry according to the Freemasons? Could at least one of the kings mentioned in Revelation <\/span>17:12<\/span> be a Freemason or at least have ties to it? Are there any scriptures that suggest that the Freemasons may betray the Church of Rome? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Here is a link to the sermonette: Freemasons and Vatican Officials Seek Cooperation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Of course, many Roman Catholics believe that Francis is the legitimate successor of Benedict.<\/p>\n

From a prophetic perspective, there is a list of pontiffs that an Irish bishop named Malachy put together in the 12th century.<\/p>\n

The pope after the one believed to be Benedict XVI is listed as the last one.<\/p>\n

There seems to be several similarities between the prophecy of Bishop Malachy and the last pope and statements in the chapter 17 of the Book of Revelation (also known as the Apocalypse).<\/p>\n

Let us look at the entire prediction of the final pope by Bishop Malachy as reported in The Catholic Encyclopedia<\/em>:<\/p>\n

“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 will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Now let us notice that the Bible warns about something happening in the end time that is consistent with parts of the Malachy prophecy.<\/p>\n

1 And there came one of the seven angels, who had the seven vials, and spoke with me, saying: Come, I will shew thee the condemnation of the great harlot, who sitteth upon many waters, 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication; and they who inhabit the earth, have been made drunk with the whine of her whoredom.<\/p>\n

3 And he took me away in spirit into the desert. And I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.\u00a0 4 And the woman was clothed round about with purple and scarlet, and gilt with gold, and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of the abomination and filthiness of her fornication.\u00a0 5 And on her forehead a name was written: A mystery; Babylon the great, the mother of the fornications, and the abominations of the earth.\u00a0 6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And I wondered, when I had seen her, with great admiration.<\/p>\n

7 And the angel said to me: Why dost thou wonder? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast which carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.\u00a0 8 The beast, which thou sawest, was, and is not, and shall come up out of the bottomless pit, and go into destruction: and the inhabitants on the earth (whose names are not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world) shall wonder, seeing the beast that was, and is not.<\/p>\n

9 And here is the understanding that hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, upon which the woman sitteth, and they are seven kings:\u00a0 10 Five are fallen, one is, and the other is not yet come: and when he is come, he must remain a short time.\u00a0 11 And the beast which was, and is not: the same also is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into destruction.<\/p>\n

12 And the ten horns which thou sawest, are ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom, but shall receive power as kings one hour after the beast. 13 These have one design: and their strength and power they shall deliver to the beast.\u00a0 14 These shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, because he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him are called, and elect, and faithful.<\/p>\n

15 And he said to me: The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and nations, and tongues.\u00a0 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest in the beast: these shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her with fire.\u00a0 17 For God hath given into their hearts to do that which pleaseth him: that they give their kingdom to the beast, till the words of God be fulfilled.<\/p>\n

18 And the woman which thou sawest, is the great city, which hath kingdom over the kings of the earth.\u00a0 (Revelation 17:1-18, DRB)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In both Malachy\u2019s list and the Book of Revelation we see:<\/p>\n

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  1. Reference to the city of seven hills\/mountains.<\/li>\n
  2. The destruction of the city of seven hills\/mountains.<\/li>\n
  3. The end of a power in Rome.<\/li>\n
  4. Persecution.<\/li>\n
  5. Troubles\/tribulations on the earth.<\/li>\n
  6. A type of judgment.<\/li>\n
  7. Events for the end time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The persecution that the Bible tells of is of the truly faithful (Revelation 17:6 and seemingly others per 17:16-17). And the judgment that the Bible shows will happen, will also come from God (Revelation 17:1,14; cf. 6:10; 18:10).<\/p>\n

    Whether or not Pope Francis is the last pope, the fact is that the last pope on the Malachy list seems to be warned against in the Holy Bible.<\/p>\n

    The ecumenical, inter-faith, and economic agenda of Pope Francis is consistent with being an antipope. But he, still, does not have to be the last one, though if he is counted, he is #112 on Malachy’s list.<\/p>\n

    Consider that some believe that Francis may not be the legitimate successor of Benedict. Now, if Francis is not counted in the Malachy list, the one who comes after him may be the antipope of certain Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies.<\/p>\n

    If so, he looks prophesied by Roman Catholics to be an antipope, and the one we in the CCOG would suspect may be the final biblical antichrist.<\/p>\n

    We will see.<\/p>\n

    Some items of related interest may include:<\/em><\/p>\n

    The Malachy Prophecies and \u201cPeter the Roman\u201d<\/a> An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would seem to be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope\/final Antichrist?
    \n    Laudato Si: Pope’s Agenda or Kingdom of God?<\/a> Pope Francis’ 2nd encyclical is titled ‘Laudato Si.’ In it, he goes over his views related to environmental, economic, social, moral, agricultural, and spiritual issues. He advocates international cooperation to solve various problems he believes are affecting humanity. Is that Pope’s agenda the solution? What about the Kingdom of God? does the Bible teach? Two related articles include Laudato Si: Will Pope Francis\u2019 economic actions match his words?<\/a> and Laudato Si: A call for a one-world government?<\/a>
    \n    Do You Practice Mithraism?<\/a> Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis?
    \n<\/a>    What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?<\/a> Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons<\/a>.
    \n    Freemasonry and the Destruction of Rome?<\/a> What is Freemasonry? What about ties to the Illuminati? Could they be involved in the fulfillment of prophecy? Here is a link to a related sermon: Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome<\/a>.
    \n    What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History?<\/a> Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. Is telling the truth about the early church citing Catholic accepted sources anti-Catholic? This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church. There is also a YouTube sermon on the subject titled Church of God or Church of Rome: What Do Catholic Scholars Admit About Early Church History?<\/a>
    \n    United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order?<\/a> 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<\/a>.
    \n    Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation<\/a> discusses the largest church since the second\/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?<\/a>
    \n    Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox?<\/a> 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? <\/a>
    \n    Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction?<\/a> Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video of related interest could be Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?<\/a>
    Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?<\/a> Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of \u2018Mary.\u2019 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?<\/a>
    \n<\/a>     The Gospel of the Kingdom of God<\/a> This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World\u2019s False Gospel<\/a>, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments<\/a>, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution<\/a>.
    \n    Can the Final Antichrist be Islamic?<\/a> Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out. A related sermon is titled: Is the Final Antichrist Islamic or European?<\/a> Another video is Mystery Babylon USA, Mecca, or Rome?<\/a>
    \n    Christ or Antichrist?<\/a> 1961 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
    \n    Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist?<\/a> 1964 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
    \n    Satan’s Plan<\/a> Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan?<\/a> and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize<\/a>.
    \n    Do Certain Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus?<\/a> Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Certain Catholic writings indicate this, while others take a different view, but what does the Bible show? A related sermon is Will Jesus Christ be called the Antichrist?<\/a>
    \n    Some Doctrines of Antichrist<\/a> Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?<\/a>
    \n<\/a>    Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist?<\/a> According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis I 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 I be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? This is a YouTube video.
    \n    Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?<\/a> Did the original \u201ccatholic church\u201d have doctrines held by the Continuing<\/em> Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term \u201ccatholic church\u201d to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?<\/a>, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover<\/a>, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?<\/a>, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy<\/a>, Early Heresies and Heretics<\/a>, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats<\/a>, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more<\/a>, Saturday or Sunday?<\/a>, The Godhead<\/a>, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession<\/a>, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List<\/a>, Holy Mother Church and Heresies<\/a>, and\u00a0Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs<\/a>. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language:\u00a0Creencias de la iglesia Cat\u00f3lica original<\/a>.
    \n    The Last Pope Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis?<\/em><\/a> Why might Pope Francis be the last pope? What happens if he is? Biblical and other prophecies help explain what to expect.
    \n    The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Amazon Book<\/a> 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.
    \n    The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle <\/a>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 \u0019s Free<\/strong> Reader Apps<\/a>. 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.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Church Militant logo COGwriter Even after nearly a dozen years, there are Roman Catholics, including some priests, that do not accept that Pope Francis is their true leader. The Vatican is not pleased with that and just excommunicated another priest because of that: Fourth priest ex-communicated for denying that Francis is Pope (ZENIT News \/ […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-93147","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-religious-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t