A key element in John's identification of the woman astride the beast is the statement that she is a city which reigns over the kings of the earth. We have carefully documented the fact that papal Rome fulfilled this prophecy and that she alone meets all the other criteria as well which John presents for identifying the woman astride the beast. We challenge anyone to find any other city beside Rome and its successor, Vatican City, which meets all the identifying characteristics set forth in Revelation 17.
Undoubtedly Christ's revelation to John that a religious body professing to be the bride of Christ would enter into unholy alliances with kings and even reign over them is one of the most remarkable prophecies in all of Scripture. Several books in their entirety could be filled with evidence that this prophecy was fulfilled in the Roman Catholic Church. However, we can only take space to present a small amount of additional documentation for those who may be interested.
Judge of All and Judged by None
Pope Leo X (1513-21) forbade the courts in every country t( try anyone for a crime from which they had been absolved b3 the Church in payment of the fee set for each offense. If an3 judge tried to circumvent this dictate, he was summarily excommunicated.