Will the New Pope Chosen Be the “False Prophet?” Check This Out!

We know that in the end times, there will be TWO main players. The Antichrist and the False Prophet. Today, I want to explore the False Prophet to discover what is known through scripture, as well as see if we can’t find telling signs of who it might be.

Let’s begin with what the Bible has to say about the False Prophet.

According to the King James Version (KJV) and a careful study of Revelation, the False Prophet appears to play a central role in establishing and enforcing a one-world religion during the Tribulation period, though the KJV never uses the exact phrase “one-world religion.” The idea is drawn from how the False Prophet (the second beast) compels global worship of the first beast (Antichrist).

Here’s how the KJV supports this idea:

Revelation 13:11–12 — The Second Beast (False Prophet)

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth… And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast…”

• This second beast is widely identified as the False Prophet.
• He forces the world to worship the first beast (Antichrist), establishing global religious devotion to him.

Revelation 13:13–15

“And he doeth great wonders… saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast… And he had power to give life unto the image… and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”

• This is global religious enforcement: worship or die.
• The False Prophet institutes idolatry on a worldwide scale.
• This image-worship is a spiritual counterfeit—a centralized, enforced false religion.

Revelation 17 – “Mystery Babylon” and the Great Whore

Revelation 17 describes a global religious system symbolized by a great whore:

“With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication… and upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS…” (Revelation 17:2,5)

• She rides the beast, indicating a close church-state alliance.
• This apostate religion dominates the earth temporarily but is later destroyed by the Antichrist himself (Revelation 17:16–17).
• It may represent an initial false religious system that eventually morphs into direct worship of the Antichrist—administered by the False Prophet.

The KJV strongly supports the doctrinal idea of a one-world religion during the Tribulation, enforced by the False Prophet, who demands worship of the Antichrist through miraculous signs and death threats. While the term isn’t directly stated, the concept is clearly portrayed in Revelation 13 and 17.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Why would I even consider the possibility of the New Pope being the False Prophet? I do this with no intended disrespect to all of my Catholics Brothers and Sisters who might read this post. Rather, I will be using their own teachings to explore this possibility.

For centuries, many have been fascinated by a mysterious prediction known as The Prophecy of the Popes—a list of 112 short Latin phrases supposedly describing each pope from Celestine II (elected in 1143) to a final pope who would preside during great tribulation. But is this prophecy true? And could it point to our generation as the one witnessing the final chapters of history?

For those who have been following my writings, you’ll recall that there’s only one space left in the Vatican to hang the portrait of the “Final Pope.”

The Prophecy of the Popes – One Spot Left on the Wall

Within the Vatican, portraits of the popes are displayed in solemn succession—each framed image a tribute to centuries of Catholic leadership. But according to legend, there’s only one space left, (as you can see in this picture). One empty frame. One final image to complete the wall.

This haunting visual echoes an ancient prophecy that has intrigued believers for centuries: The Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12^th-century Irish archbishop.

Malachy’s vision reportedly came in 1139 during a pilgrimage to Rome. He collapsed in a trance and, upon awakening, dictated a cryptic list of 112 Latin mottos—each describing a future pope. The final line reads:

“In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock among many tribulations; after which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful Judge will judge His people. The end.”

Who Is ‘Peter the Roman’?

This final pope figure, Peter the Roman, may symbolize a return to the first pope, the Apostle Peter—but possibly in counterfeit form. Rather than humility and faith, this figure may represent religious authority gone astray during the final tribulation.

He could align with the False Prophet described in Revelation 13—a lamb-like figure who speaks like a dragon, performing miracles and leading the world to worship the Antichrist.

Ironically, there is a current candidate whose name is “Peter the Roman” shown here:

A New Pope Rises – Could He Be the Final One?

With the death of Pope Francis, the world turns to the Vatican once again. Could the next pope be the 112th and final one in the prophecy? Symbolism, rather than literal names, may be key. “Peter the Roman” could echo a return to the roots of papal authority while ushering in global religious deception.

We are living in perilous times:

• Global conflict and unrest
• A shift toward digital economies
• Increasing calls for religious unity
• Growing pressure for a one-world religion

A pope who promotes interfaith peace while compromising truth could be a key end-time player.

What We Must Watch For

As this new papacy begins, remain vigilant:

• Miracles or signs that captivate the masses
• Doctrine changes promoting inclusivity over biblical truth
• Partnerships with global leaders calling for allegiance
• Calls for worship masked as spiritual unity

Revelation warns of a deceptive religious leader who will seem Christ-like but speak with the voice of the dragon (Revelation 13:11). He will enforce—not merely suggest—global worship of the Beast.

The Destruction of Rome – A Fulfilled Prophecy?

Revelation 17 describes Mystery Babylon, the great harlot, seated on seven hills. Rome has long been associated with this image.

“The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.”
(Revelation 17:9)

She is adorned in purple and scarlet (papal colors), holds a golden cup (as in the Eucharist), and is drunk with the blood of the saints. In the end, this woman—symbolic of a corrupt religious system—is destroyed by the very beast she rides (Revelation 17:16-17).

The prophecy of Peter the Roman ends with the same event: the destruction of the city of seven hills.

Coincidence? Or confirmation?

Final Thoughts: Stand Ready

Whether or not Saint Malachy’s prophecy is divinely inspired, the signs of the times are undeniable. The world may crown a new pope—but Jesus Christ alone wears the crown of righteousness.

Now is the time to:

• Turn from any false religious teachings and follow Jesus Christ
• Stay rooted in God’s Word
• Watch and pray
• Share the Gospel with urgency

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
– Matthew 25:13 (KJV)

The midnight cry is sounding. The Bridegroom is near. Do your lamps have sufficient oil? Let us stay close to God so that we will not be deceived.

Please join me each day online at www.riverwilde.blog as we study the writings of the End-Times. May you Trust God to be with you today, and always.