Some readers may remember Pope John Paul II calling for a Europe extending from the Atlantic to the Ural mountain range in Russia. European unity was a continuous theme throughout the early years of his pontificate. On a visit to Spain in 1982, the pontiff called for the unity of the whole of Europe. Then while speaking to top state officials in The Hague on May 13, 1985, he said, "The Holy See has always sought to encourage this coming together of European communities."

The Times (London) sent a correspondent to Brussels to cover the pope's visit there on May 20, 1985, where he spoke to the leaders of the three main institutions of the EEC (now the European Union). Two sentences of his speech sum up what he said: "The borders set by treaties cannot limit the communication of men and nations. Europeans cannot submit themselves to the division of their continent."

Rather early in his pontificate John Paul II stated: "The Pope has come to speak to the whole church, to Europe and the world, to speak about the nations and peoples so often forgotten... He has come to gather all these nations and peoples together with his own" (The Pope From Poland, p. 143, emphasis added).

Incredible words! Like Caiaphas, the first-century Jewish high priest, who somewhat uncomprehendingly prophesied of Christ's death on behalf of the whole nation of Judah (John 11:49-50), the pope may not have fully grasped the eventual prophetic impact of his own words—especially when one understands key passages in the biblical book of Revelation in the light of what he said. (To understand further, please request or download our free booklets You Can Understand Bible Prophecy and The Book of Revelation Unveiled). WNP