A historic document signed recently by Pope Francis and leading Muslim Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb – whose official title is The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar – has many observers very concerned. This historic meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the most important Imam in Sunni Islam took place in Abu Dhabi at a gathering of religious leaders representing Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and other faiths. On the surface the covenant entitled “A Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” stipulates its intention is to foster peace between nations, religions, and ethnic groups while combating extremism and violence. Obviously, this is an admirable effort worthy of support. Yet, certain ambiguous language in the document regarding God leads many to be cautious of the implications that may arise. Particularly, the idea that such a document could form the groundwork for a one-world religion!

Ambiguous Language Identifying God

While the document contains many remarks aimed at fostering a spirit of commonality between religions such as encouraging believers “to shake hands, embrace one another, kiss one another and even pray” together, it is the ambiguous reference to God that causes the greatest concern. The document uses the same term; God, to simultaneously reference the God of the Bible and Allah. One glaring example of this categorizes Christians and Muslims as “We, who believe in God.” Perhaps equally problematic is that the document claims that “the pluralism and the diversity of religions” evident in the world were all intentionally “willed by God.” Moreover, the document claims that the idea that people should “adhere to a certain religion” should be rejected. Therefore, according to this document the perfect will of God allows for hundreds of different religions that must all be considered as equally valid. Such ideas have caused many to consider that the essence of this document is to push for a one-world religion. Sadly, this idea is not out of character for Pope Francis. In September 2015, during a stop at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Pope Francis stressed the unity between Christianity and Islam. Likewise, in January 2016 the Vatican released an extremely disturbing video in which Pope Francis declared that all of the major world religions are “seeking God or meeting God in different ways.”

Relevant Scripture Passages

It should be noted that many prophecy experts have long believed that numerous parallels can be drawn between the one-world religion described in Revelation 17:1-18, and the influence and power of the Roman Catholic Church. The book of Revelation describes a “great harlot,” or a false, one-world religion that will be prominent during the end times (Revelation 17:1-6). This one-world religion will be led by a “false prophet” (Revelation 13:11-15; 16:13; 19:10; 20:20).  This false religion will dominate all people of the earth, all nations, and languages. While this inference is not certain, it certainly arouses our attention - especially in light of the history of the Catholic Church and Pope Francis’ statements in the past. Therefore, given the implications of this recent covenant between Pope Francis and Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb we should be in prayer.

PRAY: Pray that Christian leaders around the world would not be influenced by the ambiguous language used for God in this document. Pray that a clear distinction would remain between the God of the Bible and Allah. Pray that the Roman Catholic Church would not continue to make statements equating God with Allah.