Regardless what this pope said, one big question, why does the pope have the title "Holy Father" or to put another way "Set Apart Father"? Has anyone had the opportunity to ask this? Come to think of it, has anyone who has interviewed the pope (whether it is current or past popes) asked this question directly to the pope?
Hello Alertandawake,
Yes, regardless of what the pope said regarding the existence of eternal punishment, there are a lot more serious matters regarding the RCC, like being Mystery, Babylon the great, the woman who rides the beast. Because of Constantine holding the positions of emperor and the first pope this set the stage for the continuing office of the pope, i.e. that everyone in the world must belong to the RCC and be under the authority of the pope. Anyone who has done any study can look back and see how the popes and the RCC controlled kings and their involvement in the inquisitions where they imprisoned, tortured and killed many and that in the name of Christianity, so they believed.
The office of the pope has not had the authoritative power over the masses sin the 1700's, but that will all change when that antichrist is revealed, who will once again empower the office of the pope. I personally believe that one of the future popes will play the part of the second beast, the false prophet. With over 1.2 billion devout followers, what do you think is going to happen to that number once this future pope begins to perform those miracles, signs and wonders even causing fire to come down out of heaven? The devout will become more devout and every other false religious sect will be drawn in because of it. The only groups that will be holding out will be Israel and the great tribulation saints.
* The woman you saw is that great city that rules over the kings of the earth.
When John was receiving this information from the angel, Rome was that city that ruled over the kings of the earth
* The seven heads are seven hills upon which the woman sits
Rome was literally built on and is famous for her seven hills
* The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet and glittering with gold
These are the exact colors worn by the cardinals and bishops and all of the articles in the Vatican are either pure gold or overlaid with gold.