In an age marked by theological ambiguity and a prevailing tendency to prioritize public relations over doctrinal purity, it is deeply encouraging to see some of our pastors offer clear and courageous affirmation of our prophetic messages about the beast, the image, and the mark, especially at times like the passing of Pope Francis. Without a doubt, one of the greatest temptations for Seventh-day Adventists today—often resulting in the softening or concealing of distinctive truths—is to seek to maintain cultural relevance by avoiding controversy. However, faithfulness to the prophetic word is not only possible but necessary, even in a world that prefers empty platitudes to present truth.
In an article published on April 21, 2025, by the South American Division (SAD) called “The New Pope and the Prophecies of Revelation,” [1] Pastor Rafael Rossi, who serves as the Director for Evangelism for the SAD, addresses the death of Pope Francis and the political and religious implications that the Vatican plays in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
In his article, Pastor Rossi challenges the simplistic prophetic interpretations that view the Vatican State only in light of the death of a single pope, Francis. Historically, he argues, the papacy has exerted significant religious and political influence since late antiquity. He delivers a thoughtful critique of the Catholic Church’s claim to papal authority by contrasting historical events with biblical truth. Pastor Rossi acknowledges the historical process by which Rome consolidated both religious and political power—especially in the absence of a unifying Roman emperor—explaining that this rise was as much about politics as it was about doctrine.
But Pastor Rafael Rossi also questions the theological legitimacy of the Papacy and speaks about the Protestant Reformation and the rise of Adventism and describes these as corrective movements aiming to restore Scripture as the supreme authority over church teachings. He used the biblical imagery—the harlot, the beast, the wine—to expose not only doctrinal deviation but also the danger of mixing religion with political influence. Rossi included in his article changes to baptism, changes to the seventh-day biblical Sabbath, and teachings about the immortal soul and eternal hellfire, and warned that many have been spiritually misled by this system’s influence, calling believers to return to biblical truth over tradition.
He also emphasized the divine call to “come out of her, my people” (Revelation 18:4), expressing that “God invites us to abandon the Babylon of false doctrines and religiosity” because “in the end, there will only be two groups: those who persist in deception and those who, by the grace of Christ, respond to God’s call.” [1]
Pastor Rafael Rossi concluded with the following words that are refreshing and so needed today: “It is time to raise our voices, proclaim the present truth, and live in fidelity to the Lord, who, in his infinite mercy, calls every child to emerge from darkness and spiritual confusion and come to the light of his Word, in the hope of the eternal kingdom he has promised to establish at his return.” [1]
This is precisely the kind of truth that our pastors and members must boldly embrace and proclaim in these critical times. We must stand firmly on the life-saving messages that God Himself has ordained for this generation—messages that cut through confusion and compromise with the clarity of divine purpose. While such truths may not be what the world wants to hear, or what is considered popular or politically correct, they are exactly what God, in His infinite wisdom, has declared we need. Our calling is not to tone down the message to suit the culture, but to remain faithful to the prophetic Word that brings light, conviction, and hope to a world in spiritual darkness.
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Very well said.
It is interesting to me that little mention is ever made of RCC removing the second commandment so they could build idols of their saints, of Mary, and of Jesus. They pray to these idols of concrete. They have made void all the commandments of God in one way or another.