“And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space” (Revelation 17:10).

The prophetic canvas of Revelation has ever-changing images to typify specific issues. The “waters” revealed what the harlot had power over (peoples of the world). The seven “hills” (Rome) identified the central location of the woman and the beast (the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican).

Therefore, we must conclude that at some point in time (just before her fall – 16:19, 17:1), the papacy will have world power. This Biblical portrayal was noted by expositor White long ago:

“The papacy will appear in its power. All must now arouse and search the Scriptures, for God will make known to His faithful ones what shall be in the last time. The word of the Lord is to come to His people in power.”[1] It is recognition that those who penetrate the deeper Biblical truths will understand these end-time messages.

“The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world.”[2] Her global leadership will come with horrific intensity.

As the woman/church is over the Vatican beast, that kingdom power is now additionally described as having seven unique heads. Most important! – they are sequenced!

“And there are seven kings:” (vs 10)

Notice that the woman sits on the heads (vs 9) and the beast carries her (vs 7). The Roman Church is seen here as over the leaders of the beast. But – that “headship” is formally defined by the papacy as:

“The Pope exercises supreme legislative, executive, and judicial power over the Holy See and the State of the Vatican City.”[3] This means, though he is head of state over the Vatican, he is also over the giant system of the Church and State. Thus, the head of the beast is also over all. They distinctly represent a series of papal heads.

The heads are not numbered (like, for instance, the Seals and Trumpets), but they are in sequence by their description. There are seven popes (the “eighth” is dealt with as a separate issue in the next verse). Note again that this woman–beast/church–state genre did not emerge until 1929.[4] Thus, that list contextually begins with Pope Pius XI.

The phrase “seven kings” (hepta basileis) symbolizes a complete number of leaders trying to usurp God’s position as leader of an emerging spiritual kingdom that will know no end. Their thoughts, plans and designs take the place of God’s. This is delineated by their leadership over a beast full of names of blasphemy (17:3) – and with the woman having such a name embedded in her forehead! All this illustrates the subtle ways Satan tries to displace God’s authority.

“Five are fallen,” (vs 10)

The word “fallen” (epesan) is a euphemism for death.[5] These are the five popes who have succeeded each other from 1929 on:

Pope Pius XI – Number One:[6]

He presided over the Lateran Treaty in 1929. He reigned as Pope from February 6, 1922, and as sovereign of Vatican City from 1929 until his death on February 10, 1939.

Pope Pius XII – Number Two:[7]

He reigned from March 2, 1939 to October 9, 1958. He invoked ex cathedra papal infallibility on November 1, 1950 when he defined the dogma of the assumption:

“By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”

This reveals one of the blasphemous issues that the “woman” is identified with.

Pope John XXIII – Number Three:[8]

He reigned from October 28, 1958 to June 3, 1963. He called the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) – but did not live to see it to completion because of his untimely death.

Pope Paul VI – Number Four:[9]

He reigned from June 20, 1963 to August 6, 1978. He completed the Second Vatican Council work and fostered improved ecumenical relations with Orthodox, Anglicans and Protestants, which resulted in a number of historic meetings and agreements. He met many U.S. presidents and was in power when the first and only Catholic President was elected, John F. Kennedy.

Pope John Paul I – Number Five:[10]

He reigned from August 26, 1978 to September 28, 1978 (33 days). Much controversy surrounds his death. He was known as the “smiling pope,” and many world leaders were comfortable talking with him. He was a scholar/theologian and grasped issues quickly.

These five popes died. By the prophecy, they would fulfill “five have fallen.” Our challenge comes with the next phrase:

“and one is,” (vs 10)

The next pope was Pope John Paul II. Three popes were in power during the year of 1978.

Pope John Paul II – Number Six:[11]

He reigned from October 1978 to April 2, 2005. Though he has passed away, issues most important occurred during his reign to validate this prophecy. He was a unique person, and his reign was the second longest in papal history. He traveled more than any other pontiff – and was seen in person by more than any other human being! Heads of state visited him virtually every week during his tenure. This is when the world began to wonder after the papacy. This begins to fulfill the prophecy of Revelation 13:3 – “and all the world wondered after the beast,” which has a very end-time application.[12] His funeral was the single largest gathering of heads of state in history, surpassing the funerals of Winston Churchill (1965) and Marshal Tito (1980). Four kings, five queens, at least 70 presidents and prime ministers, and more than 14 leaders of other religions attended alongside the Catholic faithful. It is also likely to have been the largest single gathering of Christianity in history, with numbers estimated in excess of four million mourners gathering in Rome.

 “Pope John Paul II was buried in a Vatican crypt. Millions around the world watched the funeral.”[13]

There are other incredible events related to the “one that is.” The United States would be seen as a “moral partner,” beginning a relationship noted in Revelation 13 [the sea beast (Papacy–Vatican State) and the earth beast (United States)]. That alliance is of special importance. It is a prophetic mandate to fulfill the Revelation 13 alliance!

The United States and the Holy See announced the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 10, 1984. On March 7, 1984, the Senate confirmed William A. Wilson as the first U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassador Wilson had been President Reagan’s personal envoy to the Pope since 1981. The Holy See named Archbishop Pio Laghi as the first Apostolic Nuncio (equivalent to ambassador) of the Holy See to the U.S.

“The U.S.–Holy See relationship is best characterized as an active global partnership for human dignity. Establishment of diplomatic relations has bolstered the frequent contact and consultation between the United States and the Holy See on many important international issues of mutual interest. The commitment to human dignity at the core of both the U.S. and the Holy See approach to the world gives rise to a common agenda for action to promote religious freedom, justice, religious and ethnic tolerance, liberty, respect for women and children and for the rule of law.”[14]

“Reagan’s key Administration players were all devout Roman Catholics – CIA chief William Casey, Allen, Clark, Haig, Walters and William Wilson.... They regarded the U.S.–Vatican relationship as a holy alliance.”[15]

Indeed, there has been a growing bond between the Vatican and the United States. There is an amazing crescendoing political unity between these countries, just like Revelation 13 predicted, since Pope John Paul II came into power.

The time of the end, when all will occur within one generation, appears to have begun in the fall of 1978 when the “one [that] is” became pope. The timing concept that “this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled” (Luke 21:32) suggests this to be within a generation of 40 years. This is affirmed by another contextual tie:

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

Notice the emphasis on “begin.” This refers to the wars, calamities, pestilence and celestial signs. They statistically began to be significant in the 1978 window from the end-time clues given by Jesus.

It is as though God is saying: That is when the end of time begins. That is when the details of the end of the harlot start. When “one is” is when this prophecy becomes of utmost importance.

The expressions “five are fallen” and “one is” illustrate what the angel said in verse 1. This is the story of how the harlot comes to its end. As five came to their end, this “one [that] is” will also – as is implied for the seventh as well. But the endgame for the harlot begins with the “one [that] is.” If the beast goes into perdition – so will its heads! These are striking lessons from John’s prophetic symbols. The final history of the Roman Catholic Church began in 1929. It is on a forward trajectory that will see its demise – very soon – within one generation from 1978!

But there is more to discover. John said in 13:3 that one of the beast’s heads was “as it were wounded to death.” Wounded (sphazo) is in the perfect tense. It had been wounded in the past. When? It doesn’t say – but John did note: “I saw one of his [beast’s] heads as it were wounded to death.” “Saw” (eidon) is second aorist and suggests that it was in the past also. This means that the great issues of this prophecy occur after that wound! There is incredible additional information on this: the “deadly wound was healed” (13:3). In spite of that wound, he “did live.”

If Pope John Paul II is the pope when the final phases of these end-time prophetic events begin, did he have a deadly wound and still live? On May 13, 1981, he was shot three times by a Turkish assailant, Mehmet Ali Agea.[17]

The pope underwent a five-hour operation and lived. This is a second application of this prophecy. First, the papal kingdom was healed in 1929. Now a specific head is wounded and healed. No one could see this second meaning until after the 1981 incident – nor could the tie with Pope John Paul II be fully seen until the diplomatic ties were formally set in 1983.

Again, if Pope John Paul II was the one that “is,” another incredible mark of distinction must be present. The adulation of this “head” must be seen in wonder (thaumazo – passive). What the pope does enthralls the world (13:3) – AND – he is worshiped (proskuneo – active). It’s a voluntary response towards this man! (13:4).

In August 1993 a dazzling eyewitness account of patrons’ reactions to this pope was made. It was World Youth Day in Denver. Pilgrims had fasted and walked 15 miles to Cherry Creek Park for an all-night vigil in veneration of “Our Lady of the New Advent.” This painting was made by a Jesuit, William McNichols, specifically to be presented to the pope at that occasion. To all Christians the report of what followed should bring horror. Daniel’s ancient prophecy said of this time that “he shall magnify himself … he shall stand up against the Prince of princes” (Daniel 8:25). Here’s the report:

“Suddenly, the whirring of the white-topped helicopter is heard above the music. ‘It’s the Pope! Papa … The Crowd becomes ecstatic … people press forward. Some are clutching rosaries … crying … [others] cheer … the orchestra begins the Abba Ojcze Fanfare, the Pope’s entrance music.

“The crowd noise now is deafening as the small figure of Pope John Paul II walks out … [onto] the stage … smiles and waves to the crowd.... The adoration of this man by these people is amazing to behold.... In his presence people lose ordinary defenses. They are vulnerable under this high-caliber ‘spirituality.’ He smiles with approving eyes, hugging and kissing those he can reach....

“John Paul II in his white attire approaches the steps leading to his chair, a throne-like structure of oak. He waves again to the standing pilgrims then climbs the steps and sits down.... The music continues softly as a young person from the International Youth Forum reads from offstage: ‘Behold a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!’

“The implication of that particular Scripture in this setting … induces a sense of alarm and dread from Protestants. The Scripture is from Revelation 7:9-10 and presents a view of Christ on his throne in heaven. ‘The great multitude which no man could number’ is the true church, the Bride.... However, at Cherry Creek Park the pope sits on a throne among youths of many nations and tongues. They cry out to him as this Scripture is read.

“Is this pope insinuating that he is Christ on his throne and the youths below him are his sheep …?… The arrogance is overpowering despite John Paul’s seeming humility. However, those unaware of Scripture and the translated meaning of the Polish hymn neither see nor sense arrogance. They see and sense love.

“Pope John Paul II definitely has an enormous spirit of seductiveness … respond[ing] to Abba/Father while sit[ting] in white vestments on a throne....

“Youths dressed in native costumes and representing each of the continents come forward carrying their national flags. They proceed up the center steps and place their flags at the podium, literally at John Paul’s feet.”[18]

This man is the sixth head!

“and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.” (vs 10)

Pope Benedict XVI – Number Seven:[19]

When the “one is” is seen and applied, the next pope or papal head “is not yet come.” On April 2, 2005, Pope John Paul II died. On April 19, 2005, Joseph A. Ratzinger became the final pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI.

The Bible says that he will reign only a “short space.” This is from the word oligos, which means here a small period of time (cf. Revelation 12:12). This is a relative word, and it suggests that he will not reign near as long as his predecessor – apparently considerably shorter.

Are there any other clues that help us to know that he and his predecessor are the end-time popes? Prophecy clearly states that a pivotal issue at the end will revolve around the seventh-day Sabbath.[20]

Expositor White also noted: “The Sabbath question will be the issue in the great conflict in which all the world will act a part. [Rev. 13:4-8, quoted.] 

“‘If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.’ This warning is given to every son and daughter of Adam; and it is repeated over and over again.

“‘He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints’ [Rev. 13:10]. This entire chapter is a revelation of what will surely take place. [Rev. 13:11, 15-17, quoted.]”[21]

She is seeing the entire chapter of Revelation 13 as future to 1887.

Has there been any special identity to the Sabbath–Sunday issue with these last two popes?

On May 31, 1998, Pope John Paul II outlined the plans for the Jubilee 2000 year celebrations.

In those plans he wrote an apostolic letter 50 pages long on the Sunday worship issue entitled Dies Domini. Quoting:

“66. In this matter, my predecessor Pope Leo XIII in his Encyclical Rerum Novarum spoke of Sunday rest as a worker’s right which the State must guarantee.”

“67. Therefore, also in the particular circumstance of our own time, Christians will naturally strive to ensure that civil legislation respects their duty to keep Sunday holy.”

Bishop Piero Marin noted regarding Sunday concerns of this pope:

“… asking Sunday [to be] holy, is placed above all in the framework of the preparation for the Great Jubilee.... Though the pope’s letter is directed at Catholics, his concerns reach beyond the Vatican and into other religions.”[22]

The pope not only promoted Sunday worship, he called for civil power to make sure it was honored as a sacred obligation. This end-time pope was calling for Sunday legislation.

Not long after Pope Benedict XVI was in office he noted in a homily:

“Without Sunday we cannot live....

“We cannot live without joining together on Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist. We would lack the strength to face our daily problems and not to succumb....

“The Sunday precept is not, therefore, an externally imposed duty, a burden on our shoulders. On the contrary, taking part in the Celebration, being nourished by the Eucharistic Bread and experiencing the communion of their brothers and sisters in Christ is a need for Christians, it is a joy; Christians can thus replenish the energy they need to continue on the journey we must make every week.”[23]

That was an appeal to Catholics, specifically. Then in 2007 his appeal became more pointed:

• “73. To lose a sense of Sunday as the Lord’s Day, a day to be sanctified, is symptomatic of the loss of an authentic sense of Christian freedom, the freedom of the children of God.(206) Here some observations made by my venerable predecessor John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter Dies Domini (207) continue to have great value. Speaking of the various dimensions of the Christian celebration of Sunday, he said that it is Dies Domini with regard to the work of creation, Dies Christi as the day of the new creation and the Risen Lord’s gift of the Holy Spirit, Dies Ecclesiae as the day on which the Christian community gathers for the celebration, and Dies hominis as the day of joy, rest and fraternal chairity….
  
  “Sunday thus appears as the primordial holy day, when all believers, wherever they are found, can become heralds and guardians of the true meaning of time....

• “74. Finally, it is particularly urgent nowadays to remember that the day of the Lord is also a day of rest from work. It is greatly to be hoped that this fact will also be recognized by civil society, so that individuals can be permitted to refrain from work without being penalized. Christians, not without reference to the meaning of the Sabbath in the Jewish tradition, have seen in the Lord’s Day a day of rest from their daily exertions.”[24]

Here is a veiled appeal for civil laws that assure worshipers that a Sunday rest day would not bring retaliation in any work setting. Note also a subtle appeal to Sabbath/Saturday keepers. “You need a day of rest.”

On September 2007 he made a theological statement regarding the change from Saturday to Sunday.

“Sine dominico non possumus!” Without the Lord and without the day that belongs to him, life does not flourish....

“For the early Church, the first day increasingly assimilated the traditional meaning of the seventh day, the Sabbath. We participate in God’s rest, which embraces all of humanity. Thus we sense on this day [Sunday] something of the freedom and equality of all God’s creatures.”[25]

In a myriad of events and statements, this prophecy of the harlot and the beast is distinctly end-time, and its focus is on the last two popes. We have entered that perilous time, now within the final “one generation” block of prophecy.