By Peace Shall Destroy Many: Pope Leo XIV’s Call and Daniel 8:25

Calls for peace are something we hear all the time. Peace sounds like just what the world needs right now, when there are so many wars, division, and confusion. Most people agree with Pope Leo XIV when he says on May 30, 2025 that “If you want peace, prepare institutions of peace.” Peace is something everyone wants, right?

But for Bible prophecy students, you might pause. There’s more going on than meets the eye. Let’s read Daniel 8:25 more carefully:

  • “And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many…”

That’s a serious warning. This prophecy points to the deceptive peace of “antichrist.” It’s used as a tool to influence and ultimately control. In short: it’s a dangerous peace!

Now, that seems odd, no? How is peace dangerous? Peace becomes a trap when it’s used to disguise spiritual compromise, when it replaces God’s commandments with human traditions, when false unity through ecumenism is upheld, and when it sets up a system where church and state walk hand in handthat’s when peace becomes a trap!

Pope Leo XIV’s message might sound harmless, even inspiring. But Daniel 8 shows us that such language can be part of a bigger strategy—a creeping, silent consolidation of religious and political power. It’s about shaping hearts and minds through policy, through “craft,” and appearing gentle while setting the stage for something much more forceful.

Revelation chapters 13 and 17 continue on this subject. They describe a power that doesn’t only act through might but works wonders and signs to win the world’s admiration. It’s persuasive, even charming. But it’s secretly pulling people away from the truth of God’s Word and His commandments.

The peace in Daniel 8 is the kind that puts people to sleep spiritually. It lulls them into trusting human systems instead of God. Many people won’t be ready for the final test-which is the Sunday Laws!

That’s why it’s so important to stick to the Bible. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, offers real peacepeace that changes hearts, not just headlines. We need to be alert, because the prophecy says clearly: “by peace” many will be destroyed.

Consider these historical warnings and statements:

  • “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.” — Pope Leo XIII, Encyclical Letter, June 20, 1894
  • “The church has persecuted. Only a tyro in church history will deny that.” — The Western Watchman, Dec. 24, 1908
  • “Sunday is our mark of authority… The church is above the Bible, and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact.” — Catholic Record, Sept. 1, 1923
  • “When the church and the state are united, the church is never the loser; it is always the state that becomes the tool of religious ambition.” — A.T. Jones, Great Empires of Prophecy, 1898

So let’s stay awake. Let’s keep reading and listening to the prophetic Word, not just trusting in what sounds good. As Revelation 1:3 reminds us:

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy…”

Truth is truth!


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