My thoughts on the Pope.
Posted by appolus on April 28, 2025
I find myself increasingly dismayed by the widespread lack of discernment concerning not only the papacy but the Catholic Church as a whole. Speaking as a former Catholic, one who departed from the Church upon experiencing a genuine conversion, a born-again encounter with Christ. I am particularly troubled by the growing acceptance of Catholicism among Protestant and Evangelical circles that, only a few decades ago, would have maintained a clear separation. The shift over the past 25 to 30 years is both significant and concerning.
Research indicates that there are at least 20 million former Catholics in the United States alone. Of these, studies suggest that approximately 80–90% departed after undergoing a born-again experience. If we extend these figures to South America, the number nearly doubles, approaching 50 million individuals across the Americas who have left Catholicism for similar reasons. When extrapolated globally, the figure could be closer to 100 million. There is, therefore, a profound and deliberate reason why so many now identify as “ex-Catholics,” myself included, and I do not hesitate to affirm that designation.
The widespread failure to recognize these realities, in my view, correlates closely with the phenomenon commonly referred to as the “Great Falling Away” a time marked by diminishing spiritual discernment, widespread biblical illiteracy, and the dilution of Protestant witness, which has become but a shadow of its former vitality. This erosion continues largely unabated.
The idea that the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope, could be regarded as a born-again believer is, in my estimation, theologically untenable and historically absurd. This is to say nothing of the longstanding doctrinal errors promulgated by the Catholic Church, foremost among them the dogma of transubstantiation. The claim that a priest has the authority to transform a piece of bread into the literal body of Christ not only defies plain scriptural teaching but also strains credulity to the utmost. Such a claim, divorced from biblical foundations, highlights the extent of the doctrinal chasm.
Given these concerns, I have deliberately refrained from engagement with recent papal funerals, elections, and public commentary surrounding the pontificate. I am personally persuaded that the figure of the Pope, whether the present or a soon-coming successor, will fulfill the prophetic role of the False Prophet, one who will direct the world to the Antichrist, declaring him to be the true Christ. In a world that increasingly regards the Pope as the de facto figurehead of Christianity, reverently referring to him as the “Holy Father” and the “Vicar of Christ,” such developments seem to me to be falling into place with alarming predictability.
A Call To The Remnant 
My thoughts on the Pope. – Online Answers said
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1pursuit said
A hard but accurate assessment, Frank. As always. Thank you.
While not an “ex-Catholic,” I, too, am dismayed by the charity accorded the head of the largest apostate heresy source on the planet. The list of false doctrines held by Catholicism is shockingly long, and the apostate, anti-biblical practices far too numerous to count. It has always been opposed to true New Covenant faith, and has unsuccessfully tried to eliminate it by persecution, inquisition, and murder of the faithful, including women and children. But to be fair, so have the hierarchies of many “reformed” movements.
It has always been a tool of Satan to create parallel religions that claim to be of God or to lead adherents toward God. But in matters of obedience to the will and the living Word of God, a miss is as good as a mile. The murderous intent of Satan toward true disciples is always seething. The Catholic hierarchy and its kin have sanctioned murder before. Stay tuned….
appolus said
Indeed! I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of the Catholic Church. It will no doubt fulfill its role in the great end-time persecution of the saints, standing at the head of the great whore church. And tragically, much of its “erring children” , the Protestant denominations , will fall into line behind it…….bro Frank
Anonymous said
Thank you for being bold and courageous to speak Truth in our day ✝️ Would be nice if more “leaders” would do that.
Former Catholic
💜
appolus said
It would be nice, but through ignorance or fear or both, not only is the silence deafening but also the praise for this man. We have fallen so far in such a short time……..bro Frank
Anonymous said
Thank you for this article. What are your thoughts concerning the Harlot in Revelation? Do you believe the Harlot may be the Catholic Church? If so, who are her daughters? Would they be the Protestant Denominations which came out of the Reformation? Thank You. Steve
appolus said
I believe with conviction that the Catholic Church will hold a preeminent role within the harlot church of the last days. The Protestant denominations, for the most part, have already fallen—embracing the spirit of the age by, blessing what God has called sin, officiating over same-sex marriages, and offering not correction but praise to Rome. Many now speak of the Pope in glowing, reverent tones, blind to the counterfeit system he leads.
This great whore church will, I believe, gather to itself the major religions of the world under one seductive banner of unity and false peace, and the Pope will stand at its helm. But the remnant, God’s true and faithful ones, will not bow. They will stand apart, and for that, they will be hated by all nations for the name of Jesus. They will be slandered, hunted, imprisoned, and even put to death.
But they shall overcome… by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, loving not their lives even unto death……..bro Frank