“Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky…”
“Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky…”
Taught that Antichrist will rise after the end of the Roman Empire, dominating and deceiving many nations.
Describes Antichrists origin, Jewish descent, and rise from obscurity. He asserts false miracles, reigns from Jerusalem, persecutes Christians for three and a half years, and marks his followers. Ultimately, he will be defeated by Christ at His Second Coming, ushering the last judgment. This work details classic medieval beliefs about Antichrists reign and characteristics.
The final line warns of “Petrus Romanus” Peter the Roman, who will “pasture his sheep in many tribulations.” After his reign, Rome will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge his people. Traditionally interpreted as a prophecy concerning the persecution of the Church and the approach of the last days, not necessarily the literal last pope.
Warns of renewed Turkish/Islamic invasions of Italy: devastation of Otranto, Rome, Florence, Genoa, Sicily, Venice.
Describes severe wars, persecution of clergy and faithful, annihilation of nations, and religious conflict before restoration.
Foretells tribulation and division in the Church, conflicts between princes and confusion in Christendom.
Christ warned her of a coming great tribulation: Lucifer will be unleashed against the Church as never before, preparing the way for the Antichrist as a precursor. Many religious and nuns will abandon their vocations; the Franciscan order will undergo severe trial but will be protected if they keep their Rule; the Church will face betrayals, murders, and widespread persecution; Divine Office and preaching will be censured.
Predicted tribulations: true followers persecuted, forced to hide, suffering for faith.
Predicted “bloody wars,” earthquakes, and devastation before coming of the Antichrist; only those armed with faith and courage will persevere—martyrdom, apostasy, and a critical decline of true Christians before final renewal.