Pope Francis Becomes Third Pope to Make Time's Person of the Year

Pope Francis is Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2013, becoming the third pope to receive the designation. John XXIII was selected as Person of the Year in 1962, as was John Paul II in 1994. All three popes share a commitment to ecumenism and globalism, which are major prophetic signs of the times. John XXIII was the convener of the Second Vatican Council which opened the door for ecumenical relations between the Catholic Church and Orthodox, Protestant, and Baptist groups. Of John XXIII, Time said that "his warmth, simplicity and charm won the hearts of Catholics, Protestants, and non-Christians alike." As for John Paul II, few men have done more to create a one-world "church" than this ecumenical jet-setting pope who was often praised by Billy Graham. And ecumenism and globalism have been two of Francis' major agendas since his inauguration. In a special edition earlier this year, Time called Francis "Pope for a New World." That about sums up his New Age agenda which extends even to atheists! This summer Francis said, "The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. ... Even the atheists! Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class! ... And we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path towards peace" ("Pope at Mass," Vatican Radio, May 22, 2013). Evangelicals love Pope Francis. At his installation, Ben Stiller of the World Evangelical Alliance said that "not in 500 years have the two sides [evangelicals and Catholics] been closer" ("A Pope for All Christians," Christian Today, Mar. 13, 2013). We would also note that all three of the Time-honored popes are major venerators of Mary.

(Friday Church News Notes, December 20, 2013, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143)

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