The Death of Pope Francis and Its Significance in End-Time Prophecy

On Monday, 21st April 2025, the news headlines were clobbered by the death of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.

The death of any pope inevitably captures the world’s attention. With Pope Francis—one of the most globally recognised and influential religious figures in recent decades—speculation has already begun regarding what his passing might mean, especially within prophetic frameworks. 

For Bible-believing Christians, and particularly those who adhere to the historicist method of prophetic interpretation, this question deserves careful, scripturally grounded exploration. The historicist perspective interprets biblical prophecy as unfolding throughout history rather than only in the past (preterism) or future (futurism).

Rather than engaging in speculative sensationalism, we must ask and answer some fundamental questions: 

• Does the death of Pope Francis have prophetic significance according to Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy? 
• And if so, how should we as Christians interpret such events in light of the times in which we live?

To answer these questions, we’ll cover:

1. The Papacy in Bible Prophecy: A System or a Person?
2. The Death of Pope Francis: Transition or Turning Point?
3. What Happens Next? The Role of the Next Pope
4. Our Prophetic Mandate: Watchfulness or Speculation?
5. Final Thoughts: Preparing for the True King
6. Suggested Study Texts and References:

Let’s start by establishing whether the papacy is a system or a personality.

The Papacy in Bible Prophecy: A System or a Person?

The starting point in any prophetic discussion about the papacy must be a clear understanding that the papal office, not any individual pope, is the focus of end-time prophecy. 

The books of Daniel, 2 Thessalonians, and Revelation each portray a religious-political power that would arise and oppose God’s truth throughout history.

In Daniel 7:25 (NKJV), the little horn power is described as one that:

"Shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time."

This power arose among the ten horns, the successor kingdoms of Rome. As Protestant Reformers recognised, it fit the characteristics of the Roman Papacy: a religio-political system claiming divine authority on earth, persecuting dissenters, and altering sacred ordinances such as the Sabbath.

The apostle Paul describes a similar power in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, calling it the “man of sin” and “son of perdition”:

"Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."

In Revelation 13:1-10, John sees a beast rising out of the sea—a composite of Daniel’s four beasts—indicating that this power inherits political and religious authority:

"And all the world marvelled and followed the beast" (Revelation 13:3).

These texts make it clear that the prophetic identity applies not to an individual, but to a historical institution—a system that continues from century to century through various popes. 

The personality of any single pope, whether conservative or liberal, does not alter the trajectory of prophecy. What matters is the actions of the system and its relation to global power, conscience, and worship.

We now need to answer the impact of the pope’s death on the prophetic trajectory of the times in which we live. 

The Death of Pope Francis: Transition or Turning Point?

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, has wielded unprecedented moral influence globally, championing environmental issues, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. 

Many have praised him for his humility and efforts to reform the Church, while others criticise perceived theological compromises and the dilution of traditional Catholic teachings.

From a prophetic standpoint, Pope Francis has been especially significant in three areas:

1. Ecumenism – Under his leadership, the Catholic Church has intensified its calls for Christian unity, reaching out to Protestants, Orthodox, Muslims, and Jews.
   
2. Moral Leadership – Francis has positioned the papacy as the global moral compass, engaging in debates on climate change, economic inequality, and immigration.
   
3. Political Influence – His encyclicals and public addresses have been quoted by secular leaders, signalling a growing voice of the Vatican in international affairs.
   

While none of these developments fulfil prophecy in themselves, they may contribute to the conditions that allow the fulfilment of the healing of the deadly wound (Revelation 13:3) and the eventual enforcement of false worship (Revelation 13:12-17).

Ellen White foresaw this trajectory when she wrote:

“When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power… then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near.”
— Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 451

Thus, the death of Pope Francis, while not directly prophesied, could serve as a prophetic pivot point depending on who follows and what course is taken.

What Happens Next? The Role of the Next Pope

Historically, transitions in papal leadership have often accompanied theological and political shifts. 

The next pope could potentially:

• Advance Sunday legislation or global moral mandates, aligning with the image to the beast in Revelation 13.
  
• Strengthen alliances between Catholicism and Protestant denominations, leading to an ecumenical unity based on tradition rather than Scripture.
  
• Embrace more authoritarian religious policies, which can impact global freedom of conscience.
  

The “image of the beast”, formed by the second beast (Revelation 13:11-15), represents a system where religious authority is enforced by civil power. In a historicist understanding, this refers primarily to the United States, which will one day enforce worship laws, compelling obedience to a religious system contrary to the law of God.

Ellen White ties these movements together:

“The Roman Church now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties… She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world.”
— The Great Controversy, p. 563

Therefore, if the next pope aligns more closely with political powers or advances religious legislation, the groundwork for these prophetic developments could be laid rapidly.

Our Prophetic Mandate: Watchfulness or Speculation?

Christ repeatedly warns His people to watch and be spiritually prepared, rather than indulge in speculation or fear.

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42, NKJV).

“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place…” (2 Peter 1:19, NKJV).

The focus of prophecy is not on headlines, but on hearts: a call to obedience, faithfulness, and gospel proclamation. The Three Angels’ Messages (Revelation 14:6-12) call God’s people to:

1. Worship the Creator (verse 7) – a direct call to restore the Sabbath truth.
   
2. Reject Babylon’s wine (verse 8) – the false doctrines and confusion of apostate religion.
   
3. Refuse the mark of the beast (verse 9) – a call to faithful obedience, even under threat.
   

These messages are not dependent on papal transitions but are God’s eternal call to His remnant people.

Rather than focusing on the death of individuals, prophecy urges us to focus on:

• The principles and systems at work in the world (church-state union, suppression of religious liberty, counterfeit worship).
  
• Spiritual readiness and faithfulness to Christ and His word (Revelation 14:12 – “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”).

Final Thoughts: Preparing for the True King

While the death of a pope is newsworthy, it is not prophetic in and of itself.

Thus, the passing of Pope Francis will likely mark the end of a notable chapter in the history of the Catholic Church. Yet in terms of biblical prophecy, such an event is not a direct fulfilment, but a potential signpost—a reminder that the systems described in Daniel and Revelation continue to operate, and that final movements will be rapid ones.

God’s people are not to be driven by fear or fascination with personalities, but by firm faith in the Word of God and the Lamb who was slain.

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, NKJV).

Now is the time for earnest study, prayerful preparation, and bold proclamation of the everlasting gospel. 

Let us be watchful, wise, and unwavering, as we await not the death of any earthly leader, but the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

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Suggested Study Texts and References:

• Daniel 7:8–27
• Revelation 13–14
• 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12
• Matthew 24:4–14
• The Great Controversy, chapters 35–38
• Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, pp. 216, 451
• Last Day Events, Chapter 6