Pope Francis and Israel.

Pope Francis, who is known for his ecumenical perspective, “reached out to Rome’s Jewish community at the very start of his pontificate, pledging to continue to strengthen the increasingly close ties between Catholics and Jews”—and his overtures were received with high hopes (Associated Press, March 16, 2013). As archbishop of Buenos Aires, then Cardinal Bergoglio was known as an “ally” of the Jews. “Israeli President Shimon Peres said Francis would be a ‘welcome guest in the Holy Land’ while Ronald Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress, said the new pope ‘always had an open ear for our concerns’” (ibid.).

The new Pope is also known for his interfaith “outreach to Islam and Judaism” (ibid.). While archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis co-authored a book with Rabbi Abraham Skorka (The Jewish Week, March 14, 2013).  

Prophecies in the book of Revelation state that a great world-church, pictured as a “woman” and a “great city” will “ride” the coming Beast (Revelation 17:1-6, 18). The Scriptures also indicate that the coming Beast will become deeply involved with and then “control” Jerusalem for the final 3.5 years preceding Christ’s return (Daniel 11:40-41; Luke 21:20-24; Revelation 11:2).

Given the approach and ethnic connections this new pope already has, and the warm reception he has received from different religions and peoples, he may play a major role in maneuvering the Roman Church into a very powerful and influential position with both Israel and the Arabs.