"The Waldenses were among the first of the peoples of Europe to obtain a translation of the Holy Scriptures. Hundreds of years before the Reformation they possessed the Bible in manuscript in their native tongue. They had the truth unadulterated, and this rendered them the special objects of hatred and persecution. They declared the Church of Rome to be the apostate Babylon of the Apocalypse, and at the peril of their lives they stood up to resist her corruptions.
While, under the pressure of long-continued persecution, some compromised their faith, little by little yielding its distinctive principles, others held fast the truth. "
Great Controversy p.65, E.G.W.
Now Look What They Are Doing.....
"In his last day in Turin, Pope Francis made history by visiting a Waldensian church. It's the first time a Pope visits an Evangelical church of that particular denomination. In doing so, he received a warm welcome.
Waldensian Church (Turin)
"In this path of individuals and churches, we find brothers and sisters who join us along the journey. Today, with great joy, we find ourselves with you, as a new brother in this journey.”
In his speech the Pope addressed past persecution. He asked for forgiveness on behalf of the Catholic Church.
POPE FRANCIS
"I ask for forgiveness for the non-Christian attitudes and behaviors, some even inhumane, that we carried out against you. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, forgive us.”
Unity, added the Pope, is something they should strive for. Reaching unity though, does not mean uniformity, he explained.
POPE FRANCIS
"Unity, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, does not mean uniformity. In fact, even brothers and sisters have a common origin, but they are not identical.”
Before heading out,...the Pope asked them to pray for him." RomeReports
and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
Revelation 13:3