In 1798, France dealt the Papacy’s temporal power a devastating blow. French forces entered Rome, Pope Pius VI was taken prisoner, and he later died in captivity in France. For generations, students of Bible prophecy have connected these events with the prophetic “deadly wound” described in Revelation 13. But Bible prophecy did not end with the wound. It also predicted a healing.
“And his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” — Revelation 13:3
Notice the dramatic reversal in the relationship between France and the Papacy – from deadly wound to a red-carpet welcome. On September 26, 2026, the Wall Street Journal announced, “Pope Leo Receives Rockstar Welcome in Secular France.”
The Wall Street Journal reported:
• “Pope Leo XIV’s trip to France has a central goal: to revive the moribund Catholic faith in its European heartland.” [1]
• “The warm welcome has caught many by surprise in France. The country embodies Western Europe’s drift toward secularism and the church’s loss of influence.” [1]
• “Since arriving in France on Friday, the pope has received a hero’s welcome. French President Emmanuel Macron rolled out the red carpet.” [1]
• “There are also deeper signs of revival. Baptisms among adults and teenagers in France have surged in recent years.” [1]
• “His decision to travel to Spain in June and now to France shows that the pope isn’t giving up on Europe despite its drift toward secularism.” [1]
• “Leo wants to reawaken those Christian roots, those seedlings. He wants to nourish that. His presence is intended to do that… He wants a Europe that is strengthened and that harkens back to its Christian roots.” [1]
• “This visit could bring about—if not reconciliation—at least a paradigm shift.” [1]
We are witnessing a historical and prophetic restoration of the Papacy’s prestige, influence, international standing, and relationships with civil governments. And Revelation 13 warns of where this healing will ultimately lead.
“And they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” Revelation 13:4.
France, which once carried the Pope away as a prisoner, is now rolling out the red carpet and giving him a rockstar treatment. President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Pope Leo XIV. Crowds greeted him enthusiastically. Even more significantly, the Wall Street Journal stated that Pope Leo XIV is reviving Christianity in secular Europe and reconnecting Europe with its Christian roots.
History has changed, and the wound is healing before our eyes as religious revival, Papal influence, and political power begin moving closer together. The final issue will not simply be cheering crowds, diplomatic ceremonies, or popular Popes. It will be worship. It will involve civil power enforcing Rome’s counterfeit day of rest—Sunday—as the mark of the beast. The events could not be any clearer.
1798 — France strikes down the Papacy’s temporal power.
2026 — France welcomes the Pope like a “rockstar.”
Sources
[1] https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/pope-leo-receives-rockstar-welcome-in-secular-france-dd8216ba
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The papacy once faced hostility from France; today it is welcomed with enthusiasm. Prophecy calls us to watch the direction of religious and political influence.
This will bring church and state closer than ever.