Shortly before His physical departure, Saint Francis of Assisi called all members of His order and foretold them of the coming great tribulations and the danger of a false pope.
The Saint Prophecies Great Schisms and Tribulations in the Church.
A short time before the holy Father’s death, He called together His Children and warned them of the coming troubles, saying: “Act bravely, my brethren; take courage, and trust in the Lord. The time is fast approaching in which there will be great trials and afflictions; perplexities and dissensions, both spiritual and temporal, will abound; the charity of many will grow cold, and the malice of the wicked will increase.”
The venerated Saint Francis of Assisi also warned: “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.”
In other words, a false pope would come to be in power as the Head of the Catholic Church, at the Vatican. Nature mirrored Pope Benedict’s premonitory, with omens of lightning reported in the news.
Who were these cautions concerning? Following Pope Benedict’s unexpected resignation, the optimistic anticipation and hope for a new pope were high. However, a man assumed the role of the Pontificate through villainous means that are in opposition to the Canonical laws. This individual, who we will refer to as p. Francis, has taken the position of pope without proper legitimacy. He thus lacks recognition by many as an official pope.