Popes, Peace and Palestine: are they further end-times indicators?

It seems that nearly everywhere you turn, people are talking about peace.  Though it continues to prove elusive, discussions of it spiked during the recent appointment of Robert Francis Prevost to the position of pope, under the papal name Pope Leo XIV.  In fact, Euro News referred to it as a “pontificate of peace”.  As world leaders congratulated the newly appointed pope, the usual empty platitudes rolled in, some of which I have outlined below:- 

• French President Emmanuel Macron called the pope's election a "historic moment" and hoped "this new pontificate be one of peace and hope." 

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a "momentous moment" and said the Holy See "has a special role to play in bringing people and nations together to address major issues of our time; especially on climate change, alleviating poverty and promoting peace and justice across the world."

• Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, "In a time marked by conflicts and unrest, his words from the Loggia of Blessings are a powerful call for peace, fraternity, and responsibility”.

• Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.”

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wishes that the pope’s "pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue."

• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “May God bless Pope Leo XIV and may his papacy advance the cause of peace and justice, in the service of all humanity.”

• The Chancellor of Austria Christian Stocker said, “The challenges of our time are great.  This makes a strong voice for tolerance and peace in the world all the more important. May his work be an inspiration and hope to many people.”

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “His leadership of the Catholic Church comes at a moment of profound significance in advancing the ideals of peace, harmony, solidarity, and service”.

• Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, said that "in times of division and uncertainty, his spiritual leadership can help inspire unity, compassion, and peace."

On every continent and in nearly every country, leaders are holding out hope that somebody will be able to advance the cause of peace throughout the world.  Many are desperate for a resolution to the problems plaguing the world and we know that desperate and spiritually blind people often lack sufficient discernment to make good decisions.  There is already a Prince of Peace but since most of the world has rejected Him, a counterfeit will soon arrive.  The world’s longing for peace and safety will play into the hands of the Antichrist who will convince the world that only he can provide the lasting peace and security that has long been desired.  Unlike the Prince of Peace who bears many crowns and is followed by the armies of heaven (Revelation 19) the Antichrist rides alone, with a single crown and a bow.  Although many have focused on the fact there is no reference to arrows, let us examine the obvious – the reason he holds a bow in the first place.

When we reach Revelation 6:2, the Greek rendering of the word “bow” is “toxon” and this is its only usage in the New Testament: And I looked, and behold, a white horse.  He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.  In fact, notice that the Antichrist’s rise to prominence is on the basis of three items which affirm the power he will receive – a white horse (used as a symbol of victory in Roman military parades); a crown or stephanos (a symbol of victory for exceptional conduct) and a bow (military might). 

In ancient warfare, the “toxon” was often used to fire poison arrows, known in Greek as “toxikon”.  In fact, history informs us that the feared Scythian archers (who, interestingly, rode horseback) smeared a mixture of dung, snake venom and human blood on the tips of their arrows which the Greeks called “toxikon pharmakon”.  Whilst it is clear that the Antichrist would likely not adopt the formula of Scythian toxins, considering we get our English word “intoxicate” from “toxikon”, what does become clear is that when the Antichrist initially arrives on the scene his power, intelligence, charisma, signs and lying wonders will intoxicate the world through the mere wielding of his mighty bow. 

In the famous Daniel 9:27 passage we read: Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.  And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.  As is sometimes the case, our English Bible struggles to convey the true sense of the original language.  The word “confirm” relies on the Hebrew word “gabar” and is a primary verb commonly associated with warfare, particularly the strength and vitality of a successful warrior.  In fact, some Old Testament uses of “gabar” convey the sense of showing oneself as arrogant and overbearing, displaying attitudes and actions which reflect pride through insolent behaviour.  This perfectly describes the Antichrist – the lawless one!  The idea inherent in “gabar” is to be strong, to triumph over or to prevail, thus picturing superior strength over someone or something.  Since the Antichrist gives causative effect to the Daniel 9:27 covenant, it will be backed by his considerable might. 

Peace is on the lips of many at present and what is interesting to note is that the UN has scheduled a high-level conference on the two-State solution to take place from June 2-4, 2025 in New York.  So that nobody is left with any doubts as to the intention of the summit, it is being referred to as the “Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and implementation of the two-State solution”.  As this date approaches, expect to hear more and more about “peace”.  Whether or not anything tangible will come out of the summit remains to be seen.  But it reminds us that as the world desperately searches for peace, it will soon welcome a person who will ultimately bring it anything but.