For the first time in history, a man from the United States has ascended to the papacy—an event prophesied to be the beginning of a global religious shift more than 70 years ago.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected by the Vatican conclave despite concerns over American geopolitical influence. Born in Illinois and ordained in 1982, Leo XIV holds dual citizenship with Peru and has spent decades in missionary work across South America.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
While this development is monumental in its own right, it also draws prophetic parallels to a sobering warning issued by Pentecostal revivalist William Branham in 1954. Branham said, “One of these glorious days when this united confederation of church goes together and the new pope is brought out of the United States and put over there according to prophecy, then they’ll form an image like unto the beast.”
Pre-order James Lasher’s Newest Book, The Revelation of Jesus on Amazon.com!
Branham referenced Revelation 13, which describes a second beast that appears like a lamb but speaks like a dragon—symbolizing a deceptive, satanic power cloaked in religion and peace. He linked this imagery directly to the United States, a nation with civil and ecclesiastical power that he warned would one day merge into a religious-political system resembling Rome.
Branham further warned, “Preachers will give in with the excuse that they will serve God within the framework of the Antichrist beast system. They will give in to the flatteries and blandishments of the hierarchy and the people will follow these false shepherds right into the slaughter.”
These words carry renewed weight in the wake of Pope Leo XIV’s rise. While not declaring him the direct fulfillment of prophecy, many see this moment as a potential milestone on the biblical end-times timeline.
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
This is a call for discernment, not fear. Scripture commands believers to test every spirit and remain anchored in God’s Word. As deception grows and religious institutions align more closely with global systems, Christians must prepare for greater spiritual shaking.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
