The pope resigns: what’s next?

Pope Benedict XVI surprised the world by announcing his resignation, effective later this month. The first papal resignation since 1415 leaves many questioning, “What’s next?”

Is this a fresh opportunity for the struggling church? “His resignation now officially opens the possibility for a Catholic leader who is more open to reform and can find answers to the Church’s crisis in Europe and North America. In Germany, the Church is losing more and more members, and there aren’t enough priests being trained to lead the next generation” (Deutsche Welle, February 11, 2013). 

There is also a growing sense of excitement in Europe and around the world, as many Catholics know the prophecy of St. Malachy, who allegedly predicted the succession of popes.  According to Malachy’s prophecy, the next pope could be the “last” one. But the Catholic Encyclopedia states, “It has been noticed concerning Petrus Romanus, who according to St. Malachy’s list is to be the last pope, that the prophecy does not say that no popes will intervene between him and his predecessor designated Gloria olivæ. It merely says that he is to be the last, so that we may suppose as many popes as we please before ‘Peter the Roman’ [emphasis ours].” 

Only God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10), and whether the next pope will truly be the last.  Bible prophecy does reveal that a false prophet will soon arise and deceive many by performing “great signs” and making “fire come down from heaven... in the sight of men” (Revelation 13:13). When this happens, we need to remember God’s warnings and not be deceived by these dramatic signs (Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Matthew 24:3-5). For more information on future prophetic events, read our booklet, Who or What Is the Antichrist?