Revelation 2:14 (KJV)

14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

The book of Numberstells us that Balak (king of the Moabites), took Balaam (prophet from Mesopotamia), and brought him unto the high places of Ba'al, as he sought to pay the prophet to curse the children of Israel. The prophet at first refused to curse them, but later betrayed the children of Israel by counseling the king (stumbling block), to seduce the children of Israel with the women of the Moabites (prostitutes) to commit sexual immorality and to eat unclean food sacrificed to idols.

Revelation 2:15 (KJV)

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

Nicolaitans - composed into Nikos-Laos - Nikos = conquest, victory, triumph, the conquered and by implication, those who dominate over the defeated. Laos = people. In its ecclesiastical setting - "the bishops and prelates of the church have gained a triumphal victory over the Laity" (body of religious worshipers) - Separation of clergy and laity. There are many that believe that this could possibly be a reference to the Roman Catholic Church, and of course we know that there are many that overcome within this church.

Which brings us to our current Catholic leadership and in particular the current Pope.
"Peterus Romanus" or "Peter the Roman" comes from the "Prophecy of the Popes".
In 1139, St. Malachy (12th century Archbishop of Armagh, Ireland), was summoned to Rome by Pope Innocent 2. While in Rome, he experienced a vision of future Popes, which he recorded as a sequence of short, cryptic phrases. This manuscript was then deposited in the Vatican Secret Archives, where it was forgotten until it's rediscovery in 1590.

As far as identity, there are descriptive "mottos" which may refer to it's name, birthplace, coat of arms, etc... For example: Pope Paul 6th (1963-78) is described as "Flower of Flowers" - interpreted as a reference to the fleur de lis on his coat of arms.

Next we have Pope John Paul I (1978) described as "of the half moon" - significance of solar eclipses occurring on both his birthday and the day of his funeral.

Following is Pope Benedict 16 (2005), described as "glory of the olive" - his papal name is after St. Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictine Order; it's symbol is the olive.

The next and current Pope Francis (2013) - "Peterus Romanus" or Peter the Roman, according to this prophecy is considered to be the last Pope.

There is speculation that there could be additional Popes between Pope Benedict and Petrus Romanus seeing that Benedict did not die, but rather resigned; thereby questioning it's validity. According to Catholic Church law, resignations obtained through fear unjustly inflicted are invalid. It is rumored that his resignation may have been coerced. This has actually left us with two Popes. Interestingly enough, hours after Bennedict's shocking resignation, lightening struck the Vatican twice! Noted author and researcher Tom Horn has indicated that Francis seems to be aware of a danger posed by the terrorist group Isis as they have vowed to conquer Rome. He has spoken fatalistically about the danger of assassination. He has also appointed Pietro Parolin as his secretly of state (an Italian Roman whose name is Peter). If the Vatican were to be attacked, and Francis and his papal administrators are killed or taken out of the way, this man would sit on the pope's throne. He would literally be known as "Peter the Roman".

Now there is a 3rd part of the 3rd vision of Fatima which says, "a Bishop dressed in white (Pope)...men and woman Religious going up a steep mountain there was a big Cross...the Holy Father passed through a big city half in ruins and half trembling with pain and sorrow, he prayed for the souls of the corpse he met on the way; having reached the top of the mountain, on his knees at the foot of the big Cross he was killed by a group of soldierswho fired bullets and arrows at him...". last interpreted in a letter to the Holy Father on 5/12/82. There was an assignation attempt against Pope John Paul 2 in 1994, but in no way does it literally fulfill this prophecy. This becomes relevant in light of Isis recently threatening the Pope and Vatican City.

Though the current Pope was born in Argentia, his ancestry and legacy is Italian/Roman. Pope Francis Is the 1st pope from the Americas/Southern Hemisphere and also the 1st non-European Pope ever elected from the Jesuit order. The original purpose of the Jesuits is to stem the tide of reform. The Jesuits are also referred to as God's solders or marines. They make change both culturally and educationally. Noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue, he seems to be embracing Chrislam and has indicated that all major religions are paths to the same God. What he is doing throughout his papacy appears to lay out the groundwork for a coming one world religion, and has abandoned the notion that a relationship with God is available only through Jesus Christ.

Also interesting is that St. Francis of Assisi, from whom our current Pope receives his papal name, was originally named Giovanni (later changed to Francisco) di Pietro di Bernardone, (his name could be interpreted as Peter the Roman). He was a friar, and considered a prophet. Before he died in 1226, he gathered the members of his order and warned them of great tribulations that would befall the Church in the future. He prophesied that "at the time of this tribulation, a man, not canonically elected, will be raised to the pontificate, who by his cunning, will endeavor to draw many into error and death. ...Some preachers will keep silent about the truth, and others will trample it under foot and deny it. ...for in those days Jesus Christ will send them not a true pastor, but a destroyer." It is truley amazing that in light of this prophecy, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose this as his papal name.

Now Malachy's prophecy for "Peterus Romanus" is as follows - "Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations, and when these things are finished,
the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The End".  Are we now about to experience the fulfillment of these prophecies?

Your thoughts and opinions are welcome.