The State of the Beast 2025:
Part II - Like Hot Coals
A Tactical Brief on the Tenure of Pope Francis
I. The Reign of Smoke
Pope Francis has died. His papacy now becomes history—yet its shadow stretches long.
To understand where the Roman throne is heading, we must assess where it has been. Francis did not begin the war, but he opened the gates. He was not the Beast, but he spoke like its herald.
II. The Jesuit Accidents Become Doctrine
Trained in the Society of Jesus, Francis ascended the throne by appearing humble while wielding immense institutional power.
His gospel was not Christ crucified, but man affirmed.
His focus was not repentance, but fraternity.
He embraced:
• Interfaith convergence over confessional fidelity
• Ecological salvation over resurrection hope
• Migrant equity over ecclesial clarity
• Synodality over Scripture
The result: a church unrooted from the Rock and adrift on the sea of world sentiment.
III. Doctrine by Footnote, Confusion by Design
Francis’ most infamous move may have been his method:
• Speak ambiguously
• Suggest doctrinal revision through silence
• Let chaos do what councils never could
His papacy was a reign of footnotes and interviews, never dogmas—but always departures.
IV. Key Moves Toward the Beast
Francis prepared the throne not for Christ, but for a global vicar of man. His tenure paved the way for:
1. Synodal Deconstruction – a blueprint for de-centralizing truth into regional relativism.
2. Abu Dhabi Accord – a theological Babel claiming “God wills the diversity of religions.”
3. Pachamama Incident – an overt symbolic fusion of idolatry with church ritual.
4. Suppression of the Latin Mass – a rejection of memory and tradition.
5. Silence on Persecution – a preference for political favor over prophetic boldness.
V. Prophetic Pattern: The False Prophet Figure
Francis’ image was that of a kindly grandfather. But Scripture warns us: “He had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.” (Rev. 13:11)
Whether or not he was the second beast of Revelation, his legacy aligns with the archetype:
• A spiritual leader who uplifts global power
• One who promotes a form of godliness, denying its power
• A seducer of kings, not a shepherd of sheep
VI. The Seam of the Times
Francis’ death marks the close of a chapter.
Not the end—but the pause between trumpet blasts.
The throne is now empty, but the war is not over.
Now is the moment to remember Psalm 75:7—
“God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.”
VII. What Comes Next
Part III of The State of the Beast will assess the new occupant of the papal throne.
Will he be a stabilizer, a reformer, or the unveiled vessel of Antichrist’s mockery?
For now, the beams are sharpening. The throne glows. And the Spirit watches.
Let us prepare the remnant.
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This concludes Part II of the “State of the Beast” series. Part III will delve into the conservative frontrunner heading into conclave, Cardinal Robert Sarah.
Bibliography
I. Synodal Deconstruction and Doctrinal Decentralization
Pope Francis emphasized a synodal approach to Church governance, advocating for decentralization in decision-making. This approach aimed to involve bishops’ conferences more directly, though it sparked debates about potential doctrinal relativism.
• Pentin, Edward. “Pope’s Synodal Approach: Decentralization, Not Devolution of Doctrine.” National Catholic Register, October 20, 2015.
• Liedl, Jonathan. “Synod Proposal to ‘Decentralize’ Doctrinal Authority Met With Major Pushback.” National Catholic Register, October 16, 2024.
• “Surveying Synodality.” Catholic World Report, April 12, 2025.
II. Abu Dhabi Declaration and Religious Pluralism
In 2019, Pope Francis co-signed the “Document on Human Fraternity” in Abu Dhabi, stating that the “diversity of religions” is willed by God. This assertion led to theological discussions regarding its implications for Catholic doctrine.
• “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.” Vatican.va, February 4, 2019.
• “Pope Francis: ‘Diversity of Religions’ is ‘Willed by God.’” The Fatima Center, February 5, 2019.
• “Does God Want Religious Diversity? Abu Dhabi Text Raises Questions.” National Catholic Reporter, February 8, 2019.
III. Pachamama Controversy
During the Amazon Synod in 2019, statues identified as “Pachamama” were used in Vatican ceremonies, leading to accusations of idolatry. Pope Francis later apologized for the statues being thrown into the Tiber River.
• “Pope Francis Apologizes That Amazon Synod ‘Pachamama’ Was Thrown into Tiber River.” National Catholic Register, October 25, 2019.
• Clooney, Francis X. “The Pope, the Amazon, and Pachamama.” Harvard Divinity School, October 2019.
• “Analysis: Why ‘Pachamama’ Took a Dip.” Catholic World Report, October 26, 2019.
IV. Suppression of the Traditional Latin Mass
Pope Francis issued Traditionis Custodes in 2021, restricting the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. This move reversed previous allowances and was met with both support and criticism.
• “Traditionis Custodes.” Vatican.va, July 16, 2021.
• Winfield, Nicole. “Pope Intervenes Again to Restrict Celebration of Latin Mass.” AP News, February 21, 2023.
• “Pope Francis Says Traditional Latin Mass Was Being Used in an Ideological Way.” Catholic News Agency, May 9, 2023.
V. Silence on Religious Persecution
Critics have noted Pope Francis’s relative silence on certain instances of religious persecution, particularly concerning China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims. This silence has been attributed to diplomatic considerations.
• Rogers, Benedict. “Pope Francis’s Silence on Xinjiang Speaks Volumes.” Foreign Policy, July 29, 2020.
VI. Pastoral Reforms and Doctrinal Ambiguity
Pope Francis implemented various pastoral reforms, including easing annulment procedures and allowing priests to absolve certain sins. However, some of these reforms led to debates about doctrinal clarity.
• “Pope Francis: First Latin American Pontiff Who Ministered with a Charming and Humble Style Dies.” WTTW News, April 21, 2025.
VII. Interfaith Dialogue and Global Outreach
Pope Francis prioritized interfaith dialogue, notably engaging with leaders of other religions to promote peace and mutual understanding.
• “Pope Francis’ Friendship with Other Religions Promoted Paths of Peace.” Vatican News, April 21, 2025.
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This bibliography provides a foundation for further exploration of the actions and themes associated with Pope Francis’s papacy, as discussed in Part II of The State of the Beast series.
