Is the Next Pope the Antichrist?

In shocking news that has rippled across the world, Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88.

The world is mourning.

Catholics everywhere are grieving.

News headlines are buzzing.

And now, all eyes have turned toward one looming question:

Who will be the next Pope?

There’s an electric tension in the air.

But there’s another question, quieter, more unsettling — whispered in small groups, prayed over by concerned believers:

Will the next pope be the Antichrist?

Before we even attempt to answer, let’s first see who’s in the running to take the highest seat in the Catholic Church.

Who Will Be the Next Pope?

Out of the 138 cardinals eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave, 110 were appointed by Pope Francis himself.

This isn’t just a number — it’s a massive shift.

This group is far more diverse, with stronger representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America — regions often overlooked in Church leadership.

And yes, the youngest elector is just 45 years old, a Ukrainian clergy now based in Australia.

In fact, for the first time in centuries, the next pope could come from Africa or Asia. Imagine that — history in the making.

Here are some of the top contenders:

• Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): A former head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Strong. Conservative. Vocal for peace.
• Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (Congo): The archbishop of Kinshasa. A fierce advocate for justice.
• Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines): The “Asian Francis” — beloved for his focus on the poor and marginalized.
• Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary): A traditionalist voice pushing for unity with Eastern Orthodox believers.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): The Vatican’s seasoned Secretary of State — powerful, diplomatic, known by all.
• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): Archbishop of Bologna, celebrated for his warmth and social efforts.
• Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta): Synod secretary-general, closely tied to Pope Francis’s vision.

The conclave is wide open.

Anyone could emerge.

Someone known.

Someone unexpected.

But whatever happens, we as believers must go beyond the headlines. Beyond the fanfare. Beyond the political games.

We must ask:

Could the next pope be the Antichrist?

Will the Next Pope Be the Antichrist?

Let’s be clear:

I’m not here to name names or make wild accusations.

Instead, what I want is to give you Biblical criteria — solid ground you can stand on — so you can discern for yourself.

Because the Bible does not leave us in the dark about the Antichrist.

It gives us warning signs.

Here are a few you need to know:

1. The Antichrist Will Claim to Represent God — But Oppose Him

The Antichrist won’t come snarling and dripping evil from his mouth.

He’ll look… godly.
He’ll act… religious.
He’ll sound… holy.

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped…” (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, NKJV)

He will oppose true worship even while claiming to lead it.

If the next pope speaks against the true teachings of the Bible, if he twists Yahweh’s Word to fit human traditions — that’s a red flag you cannot ignore.

2. The Antichrist Will Perform Great Signs

Don’t be fooled by miracles or “supernatural” events.
The Bible tells us the Antichrist will perform wonders to deceive people.

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders…” (2 Thessalonians 2:9, NKJV)

If the next pope’s rise is accompanied by shocking wonders or unexplainable signs — stay alert.

Not every miracle comes from Yahweh.

3. The Antichrist Will Demand Worship

The Antichrist will ultimately demand the worship that belongs to Yahweh alone.

Watch carefully:
If the next pope starts setting himself up as the final authority — if he demands loyalty that rivals Yahweh’s — then the alarm bells should be screaming inside your soul.

“And he was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.” (Revelation 13:15, NKJV)

The true Church bows only to Yahweh, not to any man — no matter how pious he looks.

4. The Antichrist Will Be Loved by the World

The world will celebrate the Antichrist.
He’ll be seen as a man of peace, a unifier, a hero.
People will adore him.

“And all the world marveled and followed the beast.” (Revelation 13:3, NKJV)

If the world falls head-over-heels for the next pope — if governments, celebrities, and nations hail him as the “savior of humanity” — be very cautious.

Because true followers of Yahshua have never been the darlings of the world.

They’ve always been hated for their loyalty to the truth.

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Final Thoughts: Stay Awake. Stay Ready.

I’m not here to make you afraid.

I’m here to wake you up.

The death of Pope Francis marks a historic turning point for the Catholic Church — and maybe even for the world.

Whoever rises next to wear the papal crown will have unimaginable influence.
And you and I must not get caught sleeping.

We must stay rooted in the Word of Yahweh.
We must measure everything — everything — against Scripture, not tradition.
We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16).

The Antichrist could be closer than we think.

Or maybe he hasn’t appeared yet.

Either way, don’t just follow crowds.
Don’t just believe the hype.
Test the spirits. (1 John 4:1)

Because at the end of the day, the only crown that matters is the one Yahshua will give His faithful ones at His coming.

And no earthly power — no pope, no king, no leader — should ever steal your heart from Him.

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10, NKJV)

Stay awake. Stay loyal. Stay ready.

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