HOW WILL THE POPE'S RESIGNATION IMPACT THE WORLD & WHO WILL RULE NEXT?

by David Cosma

News is rapidly spreading that Pope Benedict XVI (aka Joseph Ratzinger) has announced his resignation as the leader of 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, effective February 28, 2013. It has been reported that it is not due to illness but, rather, to failing stamina to continue his duties. Benedict is 85. It remains to be seen what may be made known in the days ahead regarding further details of his choice to step down. He is the first pope to do so in 600 years. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, reigned from his deathbed, and was the longest reigning pope in modern history. Here is what I foresee happening in the next weeks, based on my understanding of the Scriptures, Bible prophesy, Roman Catholic tradition and history. Expect the next pope to be labeled by the press as another “conservative,” much like Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II. Why do I believe this is likely? Because these two popes were responsible for the appointment of EVERY SINGLE CARDINAL now serving in the Roman Catholic Church, and it will be up to these cardinals to elect the next pope. It is interesting to note the timing of the pope’s resignation--February 28th--is only days after a large group of Cardinals, hand-picked by Pope Benedict XVI, will assume their new posts. Expect that the next pope will be either a German, as is Pope Benedict XVI or an Italian. Why do I believe that a pope is most likely to come from one of these two countries? Because Bible prophesy reveals that the final resurrection of the Roman Empire is upon us and a European pope will be necessary to galvanize the European Community (aka United States of Europe), in preparation for the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophesied ten-toed image, which represents the modern-day European Community. A German or Italian pope would certainly fit the bill. Also, a German pope would be able to work closely with German leadership (the most powerful European nation), which will fulfill the role of a religious-politically mixed system prophesied in Daniel and Revelation for the End Times. An Italian pope could also help to rejuvenate the financially defunct country of Italy. Italy and Greece have appeared much in the news in recent years, due to their bankruptcies as major nations. Expect that the next pope will likely be more effective at unifying Europe, even more so than were Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. The people of Europe have long desired unity among their countries, but knew it could only happen with a strong Roman Catholic leader. This next pope could be just who they have been looking for, and it appears that it is the right time in history for this to become a reality. (Read Revelation 17) Expect that the Roman Catholic Church will grow ever stronger in its power and influence, especially with regards to Europe, but also around the world. Great support for the next pope is likely to be evident, and there will be tremendous hope in this next leader over one of the world’s largest religions. Time will tell if what I foresee will transpire. I, like you, will watch with great anticipation as God unfolds His marvelous plan for the “restitution” of all things. (Acts 3:21) By David Cosma, Monday, February 11, 2013