Pope Francis’ Christmas speech: Words of a lamb or a dragon?

Pope Francis (Source: presidencia.gov.ar)

Pope Francis spoke about peace and unity today:

December 25, 2013

VATICAN CITY – In his speech on Christmas Day, Pope Francis said he hopes for a better world, including successful Middle East negotiations in the land of Jesus’ birth…

The pope prayed that Jesus, the `’prince of peace,” would `’bless the land where you chose to come into the world and grant a favorable outcome to the peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. Heal the wounds of the beloved country of Iraq, once more struck by frequent acts of violence.”

Francis then explained his concept of peace.

`’True peace is not a balancing of opposing forces. It’s not a lovely facade which conceals conflicts and divisions,” the pope said in his first Christmas message since being elected pontiff in March. `’Peace calls for daily commitment,” Francis said, reading the pages of his speech which were ruffled by a chilly wind. http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/12/25/worshippers-pilgrims-rejoice-in-jesus-bethlehem-birthplace/

December 25, 2013

The Pope has called on atheists to unite with believers of all religions and work for “a homemade peace” that can spread across the world.

Speaking to about 70,000 people from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis also made another appeal for the environment to be saved from “human greed and rapacity”.

Celebrating his first Christmas as leader of the 1.2 billion-member Catholic Church, he centred his first “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and world) message on the theme of peace.

“Peace is a daily commitment. It is a homemade peace,” he said.

“I invite even non-believers to desire peace. (Join us) with your desire, a desire that widens the heart. Let us all unite, either with prayer or with desire, but everyone, for peace.” http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pope-francis-warns-39-anti-christian-39-violence-044301293.html#e25PVUs

December 25, 2013

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, celebrating his first Christmas as Roman Catholic leader, on Wednesday called for dialogue to end the conflict in South Sudan and all wars, saying everyone should strive to be personal peacemakers…

He also called for dialogue to end the conflicts in Syria, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq, and prayed for a “favorable outcome” to the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians…

“God is peace: let us ask him to help us to be peacemakers each day, in our life, in our families, in our cities and nations, in the whole world,” he said. http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-be-peacemakers-all-pope-says-in-first-christmas-message/1817148.html

While on the surface some of this sounds like what a ‘lamb’ may say, could it be part of the speech of a dragon (Revelation 13:11)?

From the ‘lamb’ perspective, Jesus clearly taught that Christians should be peacemakers:

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Being a real peacemaker is actually good.

Many in the media seem enamored with Pope Francis and many seemed to love his speech today. As reported here two weeks ago, Time magazine even went so far as to name Pope Francis its “Person of the Year” for 2013 (Time names Pope Francis ‘Person of the Year’).

But there are issues. Notice the following from the Apostle Paul:

15…As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” (Romans 10:15-16)

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known. (Romans 3:16-17)

Pope Francis talks of peace, but does not understand nor teach the true gospel. Yet, the media tend to think that he is, as they also do not know the true gospel nor the way of peace. Contrary to scripture, Pope Francis’ ecumenical hopes include atheists (see Pope Francis’ ecumenism includes atheists!) and other non-believers, and not to convert them to be believers–this is a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-10).

Furthermore, it has been reported that despite his claims today against ‘division,’ that Pope Francis wants Jerusalem divided (http://www.revolutionwatcher.com/blog/2013/05/02/Pope-Francis-entering-the-Peace-process.aspx). He also wants to acquire religious sites that are currently under Jewish control (WND: Kerry proposed deal to give Vatican control of at least one ‘holy site’ in Jerusalem)–the Bible indicates that this is not good (Daniel 11:31; Matthew 25:15)

Despite public statements for ‘peace’ and against division, what Pope Francis seems to advocate is for a divided Jerusalem. Under current conditions, that would seem to lead to a Jerusalem that ends up being surrounded by armies.

Notice some of what the Bible teaches about that:

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matthew 24:15-16)

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. (Luke 21:20-22)

2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;
The city shall be taken,
The houses rifled,
And the women ravished.
Half of the city shall go into captivity,
But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2)

So, while in certain respects Pope Francis looks like a lamb, the dragon-like implications of what he is saying need to be understood by prophecy watchers.

Some items of related interest may include:

Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel? Who is preaching the gospel? Here is a version in Korean 복음이란 무엇인가?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom. 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?
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? 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 abou the ecumenical movement?
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? 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.
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 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?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist 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?
Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god? Here is a link to a related sermon: What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas?