I want to speak of the pope’s role in world events and his relationship to world leaders. The papal office is worldwide. The pope travels and is welcomed everywhere. He is, truly, the only universal figure on earth.

I want to speak of three phases of the papacy. Centuries ago, the pope was a central figure in the formation of Europe. As Europe sent forth its explorers and its missionaries, the role of the pope was also extended.

All of this gave rise to the modern papacy in which the pope, by his travels and the means of communications, is seen and heard all over the world. In spite of this high profile and worldwide recognition, he is not seen as integral to world events. This role is given to political leaders who make the daily decisions which determine war or peace, prosperity or poverty.

I speak now of a third moment, a future moment close at hand, when political leaders will be completely helpless in the face of the events. In this moment of great darkness every political leader will be powerless.

At that moment, I will raise the papacy to its greatest height. When mankind asks, “To whom shall we turn?”, suddenly the great light of the papacy will shine out upon the world and all will realize, once again, the great gift of the Catholic Church.