The Pope: Prophecy, Power, and Persecution Unveiled

The Pope is identified as the "man of sin" and the "son of perdition" who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, claiming to sit in the temple of God, showing himself as God 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. He is the visible head of the Roman Catholic Church, a spiritual empire that arose from the ruins of the civil Roman Empire and continues to wield significant authority over millionsAMS October 10, 1895, page 313.12+1.

Here are some key aspects of who the Pope is, according to scriptural prophecy and historical understanding:

Head of the Roman Catholic Church

The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, which is described as the "man of sin"TBUS 64.1+2. The Roman Catholic Church claims that Christ invested Peter with supreme power over the Christian church, and that the Pope, as Peter's successor, is divinely authorized to rule the Christian worldST October 28, 1913, par. 8. However, this contradicts the understanding that Christ is the true head of His church, and to replace Him with a man removes all spiritual life, leaving only a dead formPTUK December 6, 1894, page 772.14. The Pope is also described as the "vicar of Christ," though it is understood that he is, in fact, the vicar of the devil, as papal authority is said to be derived wholly from the dragon, who is SatanPTUK March 14, 1895, page 164.7.

Prophetic "Little Horn" and "Beast"

The Pope and the Papacy are identified with the "little horn" power in Daniel 7 which was to speak great words against the Most High, wear out the saints, and think to change times and laws Daniel 7:25TBUS 64.1+2. This power is also connected to the "beast" of Revelation 13 which rose from the sea, received its power, seat, and great authority from the dragon (Satan), and was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies Revelation 13:1-6SITI November 17, 1887, page 696.1+2. The Pope wears the title "Vicarius Filii Dei" (Vicegerent of the Son of God) on his pontifical crown, the numerical value of which is 666, identified as the "number of the beast" and "the number of a man" Revelation 13:18USLP 158.2.

Claims of Supremacy and Infallibility

The Papacy asserts absolute and universal authority not only in the church but also in the stateSBBS 364.1+2. Popes have continually improved upon the pretensions of their predecessors, and their desire for authority has led to interpolations and falsifications of ecclesiastical documentsSBBS 331.4. The doctrine of papal infallibility, proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1870, attributes divinity to the Pope as an article of faithECE 562.1+1. The Roman Catholic Church boasts that it "never changes"SPCCSR 126.1+3, meaning its principles and spirit, including its insatiable ambition for universal dominion, remain the sameAMS May 7, 1896, page 147.12.

Persecuting Power

Historically, the Papacy has been a persecuting power, making war with the saints and overcoming them for a period of "forty and two months" or 1260 prophetic days/years Revelation 13:7GC88 266.2+2. This period of papal supremacy began in A.D. 538 and ended in 1798 when a French army entered Rome, took the Pope prisoner, and the papal hierarchy's power was significantly diminishedGC88 266.2+2. This event is considered the "deadly wound" to the beast Revelation 13:3SHR 27.1+2. The Papacy is responsible for the shedding of immense amounts of blood of the saints through persecutions, massacres, and religious warsJGMT 11.2+2.

Influence and Agenda

The Pope is seen as a shrewd political diplomatGCB/GCDB 1893, page 521.7+1. The Roman Catholic Church is described as the biggest financial power and property owner globallyEVRR560. Rome has consistently sought to influence governments, as evidenced by historical and contemporary efforts to model state constitutions and legislation upon the principles of the Catholic ChurchCGRAS 109.4+2. The Papacy is especially interested in the conversion of Americans and America to the "true church" and seeks to make the United States a Catholic countryAMS February 7, 1895, page 41.11+3. There are also movements towards unity in the religious world, with the Church of Rome aiming to bring non-Christian religions under her dominationEVRR560.