After
the destruction of Rome in the days of Antichrist, it shall remain forever but
a heap of ruins, and the haunt of filthy animals; "that great city shall
be found no more at all." This fact taken in connection with the many
prophecies concerning the future glory of Jerusalem, justifies the belief that
it will become the city of the Popes and the capital of Christendom from the
time of Antichrist until the consummation of the world. This, we believe, is
not opposed to the teaching of the Church. Many theologians hold that the
Papacy is connected with the bishopric of Rome by divine institution; yet this
cannot be an article of Faith because it is contained neither in Scripture nor
in tradition. It is of faith that the successor of St. Peter is head of the
Church, and in the present order of things it is also of faith that the bishop
of Rome of successor of St. Peter (Tanquery, "Synopsis Theol. Dogm."
pp. 383-4.)
Transfer
of the Papacy from Rome to Jerusalem might be made by decree of a general
council acting with the Pope, or by direct intervention of divine Providence.
The prophets of old foretell the future glory of Jerusalem when it shall become
again the Holy City and the spiritual capital of the world whence the waters of
salvation flow out to all peoples. It shall also become the capital of a Jewish
nation gathered about it once more. (E. Sylvester Berry, The
Apocalypse of St. John [Columbus, Ohio: The Catholic Church Supply
House, 1921], 193)
