The Bible does not name a pope
No biblical passage identifies the bishop of Rome, or any future pope, as the Antichrist. That means predictions attaching the title to a particular pope go beyond what Scripture plainly says. It can feel tempting to match current events to prophecy, especially when religious leaders hold great influence. But a confident claim needs clear biblical grounds.
Some Christians, especially at points in church history when there was deep conflict between Protestants and Rome, have applied end-times passages to the papacy. Other Christians strongly disagree. Whatever concerns someone may have about a church, its teaching, or a leader, it is wiser to distinguish those concerns from claiming that Scripture has named that person as the final Antichrist.
John speaks of more than one antichrist
In his first letter, John says that many antichrists had already appeared in his own day. He uses the word for people and movements that oppose Christ or deny the truth about who Jesus is. In particular, John points to those who deny the Father and the Son, and those who refuse to confess Jesus Christ truly come in the flesh (1 John 2:22; 2 John 1:7).
So the Bible's concern is larger than identifying one famous religious figure. Any teaching that pulls people away from the real Jesus, his lordship, or his saving work deserves careful testing. The best protection is not constant speculation. It is knowing Christ's teaching well enough to recognise a counterfeit.
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
Paul also describes a coming rebel
Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that a "man of sin" or "man of lawlessness" would be revealed before the day of the Lord. This figure exalts himself against God and claims an honour that belongs to God alone (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Many Christians understand this person to be the final Antichrist. Others read the passage differently, but all agree that Paul is warning against spiritual deception.
Paul does not provide a name, nationality, office, or date. He directs worried Christians away from panic and towards steady faith. Later in the chapter, he tells them to hold fast to the teaching they had received (2 Thessalonians 2:15). That remains good counsel whenever dramatic claims about prophecy spread.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Keep your attention on Jesus
Revelation does portray a beast who receives astonishing authority and draws worship away from God (Revelation 13:4-5). Yet Revelation does not say that this beast is a pope. Forcing a modern name into the vision can make us miss its urgent call: do not give ultimate loyalty to any ruler, institution, ideology, or religious voice in place of Christ.
Jesus warned that false christs and false prophets would try to deceive people, even with impressive signs (Matthew 24:24). So ask simple, searching questions. Does this teaching honour Jesus as Lord? Does it agree with the apostolic witness about him? Does it lead to faithful obedience, truth, and love? Read these passages for yourself, pray for wisdom, and let fear give way to watchful trust in Christ.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.