What a Crowd! 

     A football rally? A concert? May Day celebration in South America?

     None of the above. It was the Roman Catholic introduction of Pope Leo XIV, originally known as Robert Provost, of Chicago. Yes, the first American to be voted Pope. 

     Catholics from up to 70 nations gathered in Rome to listen to his speech, in Italian. They cheered. Some waved their nation's flag. There were two marching bands. And bells. Such a roar. Oh, maybe a Beatles concert.

     We heard the name Mother Mary. We even heard the name Jesus. 

     Catholics have cardinals, priests, bishops, archbishops and deacons. They were dressed in colorful robes. The church is somewhat polarized, but all honor the Pope. 

     About 600 years ago, Roman Catholics were so far removed from biblical truth Martin Luther asked the leaders to tell him where he was wrong...quoting the Bible. They couldn't answer. They wanted him to come to Rome, where they planned to silence him. 

     Luther was taken to a safe location, and people - Lutherans - began to "protest." There was a 30-year war that nobody won. Then came the Episcopalians, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and more. 

     Honor Catholics. But when Jesus returns to rule our/His world, will there be a big celebration and speech? See Revelations chapter 19. 

           Jimmy - a Protestant