The Rise of a Global Religious Sensation

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV rode into the Vatican to the sound of 120,000 youth screaming and singing along to the song “There Can Be Miracles When You Believe,” following an evening Mass that launched the Jubilee of Youth—a weeklong celebration for young Catholics. [1] St. Peter’s Square erupted with shouts, cheers, and chants as the crowd welcomed the pontiff. The scene portrayed the pope not as a humble spiritual leader but as a celebrity-like, messianic figure entering to thunderous praise—in a manner eerily reminiscent of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem—yet centered on a human figure rather than the Messiah Himself.

As the pope rode in, the crowd played and sang the following song—perhaps unaware of whom the words were truly attributing praise to:

I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously.
I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously.
Who is like You, oh Lord, among the celestials?
Who is like You, majestic in holiness?
In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed.
In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed.
I will sing, I will sing, I will sing.

The song originates from the animated film The Prince of Egypt, which tells the story of Moses and the Exodus—highlighting the theme of a coming savior who delivers the people. In this Catholic context, especially with nearly 120,000 youth from diverse backgrounds, its use may be seen as reinforcing the Roman Catholic narrative of divine authority and miraculous power. It also serves to further the Vatican’s broader agenda of uniting the political and religious world under papal influence. The song continues with the words:

There can be miracles when you believe.
Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill.
Who knows what miracles you can achieve?
When you believe, somehow you will.
You will when you believe.

The phrase “when you believe”—while hopeful—is vague. Believe in what? In whom? Without a clear reference to Jesus Christ or His word as the object of faith, this type of vague spirituality can open the door to universalism and a feel-good, watered-down version of religion that lacks any type of doctrinal clarity or biblical revelation. You really don’t know who the lyrics are being sung to, the Pope or Jesus.

While many would view the scene as a unifying, powerful religious moment, it also raises serious concerns. It promotes a cult of personality. It fulfills the prophetic warnings of a single global religious order in the last days. It confuses biblical worship with emotional spectacle. It promotes a deceptive unity not grounded in Scripture.

The image of the pope being cheered by multitudes of youth, accompanied by miracle-themed music, serves as a powerful symbol of the growing global admiration for the Vatican as it seeks to expand its religious and political influence on the world stage. The Bible warns of a time when a false religious power would rise, performing signs and wonders, forging a counterfeit unity that leads the world into spiritual deception (Revelation 13:13–14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9–11).

This unity, though outwardly appealing and seemingly inspired by faith, is a carefully crafted delusion that prepares the way for final rebellion against God’s law (Revelation 12:17). Such an event should remind us that we are approaching the final crisis—just before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Sources

[1] https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-digital-influencer-leo-7be275fe3bdee00075d650f7a2448726