242    The Bible and the Future of the World 

 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his 

brother, and led them up a high mountain apart.  And he was transfigured 

before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white 

as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with 

him. And Peter said to Jesus,  Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I 

will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for 

Elijah.  He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, 

and a voice from the cloud said,  This is my beloved Son, with whom I am 

well pleased; listen to him.  When the disciples heard this, they fell on their 

faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, 

 Rise, and have no fear.  And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no 

one but Jesus only.  (Mt 17:1 8). 

This passage from Sacred Scripture describes both a true historical event, 

which occurred to Jesus and his disciples, and a future event which will 

occur in the Church. Concerning the future event, the figures of Jesus, 

Moses, and Elijah represent Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The 

transfiguration of Jesus represents a transfiguring event in the Christian 

Church. Peter represents the Pope of that time. 

    The Church will experience an event that will begin to transfigure the 

Church to greater holiness. Pope Benedict XVI will be Pope at that time. 

Very soon after that event, Pope Benedict XVI will suggest to the world that 

three booths, that is, three places, be built in Jerusalem: a Temple, a Church, 

and a Mosque. He will suggest that the city of Jerusalem become a place of 

peace and of worship for all three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and 

Islam.  

    Luke's Gospel adds a comment about Peter's suggestion:  not knowing 

what he said  (Luke 9:33).  This suggestion of Pope Benedict  XVI will not 

take place, at least not anytime in the near future. Instead of peace, war will 

break out. First a small war will occur among the Arab nations (A.D. 2009). 

Then, a great war will begin between the Arab nations and the western 

nations (A.D. 2010). 

    When the transfiguration of Jesus was completed, they arose and saw 

only Jesus. When the initial transfiguration of the Church is accomplished 

(by A.D. 2040), Christianity will be the dominant religion in Israel and in 

Jerusalem and in the world. When the transfiguration of the Church on 

earth is mature (in the mid 25th century A.D.), Christianity will be the only 

religion on earth. In that future time, everyone on earth will be a Catholic 

Christian. 

f. Pope Benedict XVI will die prior to, or at the very beginning of, World 

War III. Therefore, he will die in either 2009 or 2010. His reign will be