Last Thursday, white smoke came forth from the Sistine Chapel indicating a new pope had been selected.  As the smoke rose, the throngs gathered in St. Peter’s Square burst forth in cheers.  Then the name was revealed.  Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, at age 69, had been named the new pope, the first pope to ever come from the United States.  His official papal name: Pope Leo XIV.  Crowds swelled as the first public appearance was named.  So, who exactly is Pope Leo XIV?  What is his belief system?  Will he point individuals to Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation and Jesus as being the only mediator between God and man or will he be leading followers down the same pathway of deception just as his predecessors?

Returning to Crosstalk to bring a biblical perspective concerning this new pope was Mike Gendron.  Mike is founder and director of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry.  Mike was a devout Roman Catholic for over 3 decades and was taught to rely upon the authority of the church above all else.  Mike searched the Scriptures and was amazed to find that what he read in Scripture contradicted the teaching and tradition of the church he had been a part of for so long. He trusted Jesus as his Savior and now the Bible has become his sole authority in all matters of faith.  Mike is the author of the books, Preparing for Eternity and Contending for the Gospel and has produced numerous videos with warnings concerning false teachings vs. the truth of the Scriptures.

Mike noted that Pope Leo XIV appears to be very well qualified to run an international organization.  He speaks 5 different languages and is well educated with advanced degrees in mathematics and theology.  However, is he qualified to be the head of the church that Catholics believe was founded by Jesus Christ?  Mike answers that and much more as he explains the following:

• The historic significance of this new pope's name. 
• Leo XIV called himself a successor to Peter.  Is he?
• Do the Scriptures tell us anywhere about walking with Mary as Pope Leo XIV has communicated? 
• The blasphemous and unscriptural nature of calling a pope “holy.” 
• Was the pope biblically incorrect to say that, “...individuals are reborn in the waters of baptism”?
• Will this pope be conservative or liberal regarding social and political issues?  Does it matter?

This edition of Crosstalk also features an extended time of comments from listeners.  

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