Italy arrrests at least 18 al-Qaeda suspects related to plot to attack the Vatican

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The government of Italy arrested suspects who may have plotted to attack Vatican City:

April 24, 2015

ROME—Terror suspects in an investigation in Italy may have been planning an attack against the Vatican, a prosecutor leading the probe said Friday.

Cagliari Chief Prosecutor Mauro Mura told reporters in Sardinia that the suspects, planning to launch attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan, also may have been aiming to target the Vatican in 2010.

Police conducted raids across Italy on Friday, targeting 18 people suspected of al-Qaida links, including the group’s suspected spiritual leader. Mura said they also included two people thought to have been bodyguards for Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaida leader killed in a 2012 U.S. raid on his compound in Pakistan.

Some of the suspects have been arrested; others are believed to have left the country. The sweep is continuing, authorities said.

Asked for details about a possible attack on the seat of the Catholic Church, Mario Carta, head of the police unit headin the investigation, said, “We don’t have proof, we have strong suspicion.’

He said that, in intercepted telephone calls, investigators had heard the suspects say they would launch a “big jihad in Italy.” Conversations also suggested the Vatican might be a target. http://www.voanews.com/content/italian-prosecutors-suspect-al-qaida-targeting-vatican/2732810.html

April 24, 2015

Italian security forces were rounding up 18 Islamic extremists Friday who prosecutors said were behind a failed 2010 plot to attack the Vatican as well as a bombing at a Pakistan market that killed more than 100 a year earlier. …

At the time of the suspected plot to bomb the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI was still reeling from the effects in the Muslim world of a 2006 speech in Regensburg, Germany, in which he quoted a Byzantine emperor who characterized some of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as “evil and inhuman,” particularly “his command to spread by the sword the faith.”

While relations with the Muslim world were eventually repaired, tensions flared again in 2011 when Cairo’s al-Azhar institute, the pre-eminent theological school of Sunni Islam, suspended interfaith talks with the Vatican after Benedict called for greater protections for Egypt’s minority Christians.

More recently, Italian officials have made clear they take seriously the threat of the Islamic State group to conquer Rome and the seat of Christianity. Security has been beefed up at the Vatican and the head of the Swiss Guards has said they are ready but that they have no information about an imminent threat. http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/04/24/italian-police-make-several-arrests-in-anti-terror-sweep/

Representatives of the Islamic State have made several threats against the Pope and/or Vatican in the past (see,for example, Egypt bombs Libyan stronghold for Islamic State after Copts are killed).

The Vatican has had concerns about being attacked by Islamic terrorists for quite a few years. It used to be that visitors could simply walk straight into St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The first couple of times my wife and I visited Vatican City, there were no personal security checks.

With the rise of Islamic terrorist groups, there has been added security. Now, there is normally a massively long line and one has to pass through metal detectors and get purses/backpacks/etc. checked.

With the rise of the Islamic terrorists groups and related threats, the Vatican is trying to determine how it feels it will be best to deal with this. Perhaps I should add that there are also Roman Catholic and Islamic prophecies that tell of the destruction of Rome, and likely some in the Vatican take those threats seriously (see also Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?).

Many in Islam believe that they will conquer Rome. Five years ago conference specifically on that subject was held by Italian Muslims which looked forward to that conquering. Here is some of what they reported about:

ISLAM IN ITALY – FULFILLING THE PROPHECY

Date: Saturday 10th April 2010
Time: 1.45 pm – 4.30 pm
Venue: Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LS

“Are they waiting for anything except the Hour to come to them suddenly? But its Signs have already come!” (Al-Quran, 47:18)

As one of these signs, Imam Ahmad reports in his Musnad that Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-’As (ra) mentioned: “Whilst we were around the Prophet (saw) writing he was asked, ‘Which of the two cities will be opened first, Constantinople or Rome?’ He (the Prophet Muhammad) answered, ‘The city of Heraclius will be opened first!’”

The Great Ottoman, Sultan Muhammad Fatih (rh) fulfilled the first part of this prophecy by conquering Constantinople. Thus, remains the second part. Having been forced out of Andalusia, and more recently, dispersed across the Balkan states, the city of Gaius Julius Caesar (Rome) remains. So let the da’wah begin … (http://www.italianmuslims.com/ viewed 07/03/14)

The head of the self-proclaimed caliphate called the Islamic State called on his followers to support him so that one day they could conquer Rome in July of 2014. And, of course, there is al-Qaeda. There are also other Islamic prophecies that support the view of conflict with Rome (see The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy).

Catholic prophecies tell of a time of war that will affect Rome as well as representatives of Islam:

Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (died 1837): “described to me the great ordeal ahead. Rome would be battered by revolutions…Millions of men would die by the sword in war and civil strife, other millions would perish in unforeseen death. Then entire nations would return to the unity of the Church, and many Turks, Pagans and Jews would be converted and their fervour cover with confusion the original Christians. In one word she told me that our Lord was intending to cleanse the world and His Church…” (Bessieres A. Wife, Mother and Mystic (Blessed Anna Maria Taigi). Nihil Obstat: Carlos Davis, S.T.L. Imprimatur: E Morrough Bernard, Westmonasteri, die Februari, 1952. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1982, p. 166).

Old Saxon Prophecy. “The seven-headed city, now more admirable than Jerusalem, shall be a place more desolate than Jerusalem. The Dog shall enter Germany but shall afterwards forsake his master and choose for himself a new man, whereby Scripture shall be fulfilled. This Dog shall signify the Turk which shall forsake his Mohammed and choose unto him the name Christian…But after all these things the end of the world shall approach, and there shall be heavey and pitiful days.”

Comment: The seven-headed city is probably Rome…(the comment is from Dupont personally, Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, pp.23-24)

Sister Ludmilla of Prague (cir. 1250): Hardly three generations will pass after the world war, when one will also endeavor to prevent the Pope from exercising his sacred office, which will be a sign that the fall of Rome and the end of the world is near (Culleton, Reign of Antichrist, p. 131).

Anna-Katarina Emmerick (19th century): I saw again a new and odd-looking Church which they were trying to build. There was nothing holy about it…(Dupont, p. 116).

Yves Dupont {Catholic writer interpreting A. Emmerick}: They wanted to make a new Church, a Church of human manufacture, but God had other designs…The Holy Father shall have to leave Rome, and he shall die a cruel death. An anti-pope shall be set up in Rome (Dupont, p. 116).

Yves Dupont (20th century): Civil wars rage in Western Europe…the Pope leaves Rome and dies in exile; an anti-pope is installed in Rome…The Mohammedans invade Europe and commit innumerable atrocities. In the West, however, Christians rally around an unexpected leader… (Dupont, p. 1).

The Bible itself tells of conflict between a European power who will have ties with the City of Seven Hills (Rome) and a power primarily composed of Arabic, Nubian, and Turkish peoples (Daniel 11:40-43). War will come (watch also the video War is Coming Between Europeans and Arabs).

A prediction of the destruction of Rome by the 12th century Irish Bishop Malachy as reported in The Catholic Encyclopedia:

“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.”

As far as the timing of the destruction of Rome, both biblical (Revelation 17) and Roman Catholic prophecies (i.e. the Bishop Malachy prophecy) indicate that this will come after the coming war between the Europeans and the Arabs (Daniel 11:40-43).

Notice the following from the Book of Revelation:

9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. 10 There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”

15 Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:9-18)

I would add here that even Roman Catholic scholars teach that the city being discussed above is Rome.

That being said, this does not, however, mean that Vatican City and Rome itself may not first be attacked by Islamists before the prophesied destruction in Revelation 17. Revelation teaches that ultimately the supporters of the final European Babylonian Beast power will turn against Rome and those who will support views it does not agree with. I believe that this will happen during the time known as ‘the Day of the Lord,’ as the European Babylonian Beast power will look for someone to blame for problems that the Bible says will happen in Revelation 16.

Both biblical (Daniel 11:40-43; Revelation 13:4,8) and Roman Catholic prophecy tell of a time when the Europeans will eliminate opposing religions and will takeover many of the currently Islamic nations in North Africa and the Middle East.

Direct attacks against the Vatican and/or Pope Francis could hasten the determination of more in Europe to arm.

Before Europe does launch a massive attack as foretold in Daniel 11:40-43, the time will come when there is a type of ‘peace deal’ in the Middle East (Daniel 9:27; see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27). The Vatican would be expected to promote/endorse such a deal, but that deal will NOT last.

Only the return of Jesus Christ and the millennial kingdom will ensure peace.

Disaster and destruction will come to Europe and the Middle East and other areas before Jesus returns (Daniel 11:39-45; Ezekiel 30:2-8; see also Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?, Who is the King of the North?, and How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About?). Threats and horrific actions from the Islamic and other terrorist will tend to accelerate world events.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would 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?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation 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?
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Obama Administration Pushing for an Islamic Empire? Because of the rise of groups such as the Islamic State, the Obama Administration and others are pushing for a coalition of Arab nations along with Turkey. Does this resemble the final King of the South of Bible prophecy? Is there an Islamic antichrist? Does the Bible teach that terrorism and the sword will affect the USA and some of its allies? What does the Bible teach in Ezekiel about a confederation involving Egypt? Will an Arabic confederation end in destruction for those who strongly support it? Are the 10 nations in the Arab coalition the ten kings of Revelation 17:12-13? Are the 10 nations including the USA and Turkey the ten nations of Revelation 17:12-13? Who is? Was the pushing of the Obama Administration to do this predicted by in 2009 in a writing by Dr. Thiel? What does the Bible show?
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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.
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.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
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.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
The Last Pope Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Why might Pope Francis be the last pope? What happens if he is? Biblical and other prophecies help explain what to expect.
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.