There is a misapprehension among some regarding those who identify the papacy with the Antichrist. No-one as far as I know, on this forum has ever claimed the pope himself to be the Antichrist. That would be impossible, considering the apostles taught the Antichrist present in their day... The Waldensians, the Albigenses, the Lollards, the reformers, and numerous others over the past 2000 odd years, recognised that the spirit of Antichrist, and that spirit being manifested through various agencies over centuries, could not reside in one individual. However, in our day, and particularly since the 6th century, that spirit of Antichrist was resident in one particular institution, and manifested through its spokesman, the head of said institution. Therefore it is the actual office of the pope, not the pope himself, which is absolutely Antichrist in nature and doctrine and practise. Regardless of the seeming kindness and gentility of the man holding that office at any particular time. The attributes of the Antichrist laid bare in scripture don't preclude the office holder from being kind and gentle. He's still expressing Antichrist sentiments when speaking on behalf of the institution. Where would be the deception if the spirit of Antichrist was constantly expressing hatred and vindictive ideas and motives toward the world? How would he behold the world into joining with him if he was constantly nasty and hateful? False prophets can be nice people. Otherwise no-one would be taken in by them.