Capuchin Friar (18th Century)

All the ecclesiastics, both secular and regular, shall be stripped of their possessions and of every kind of property, and obliged to beg from lay persons their food and everything necessary for their support, and for the worship of God.

During these calamities the Pope shall die.... Through the death of the Supreme Pontiff the Church will be reduced to the most painful anarchy, because from three hostile pow ers (through their influence) three popes will be contempo raneously elected: one Italian, another German, the third Greek. This [the Greek], by force of arms, shall be placed on the throne.

During this time, much human blood will be shed in Italy, and many cities, country towns and castles [military for tresses] shall be brought to ruin, with the death of many thousands of persons. By the Catholic clergy and people the true and lawful Pope will be elected who shall be a man of great holiness and goodness of life.

A scion of the Carvlingian race, by all considered extinct, will come to Rome and behold and admire the piety and clemency of this Pontiff, who will crown him, and declare him to be the legitimate Emperor of the Romans and from the chair of St. Peter the Pope will lift up the standard, the crucifix; and will give it to the new emperor.

This new emperor with the robust Italian and French people, and with those of other nations will form a most mighty host, called the Church Army, through which he shall destroy the Ottoman [Mohammedan?] 440 Empire and all heresies.