Pope Benedict XVI, in his encyclical Caritas in Veritate released on July 7, 2009, expresses a vision for a reformed global order that some interpret as a call for a one-world government. He highlights the urgent need for a true world political authority to manage the global economy, revive crisis-hit economies, ensure disarmament, food security, peace, environmental protection, and regulated migration. This proposed authority would require real power to implement sweeping changes amid growing global interdependence and economic disparities. Concerns arise among observers about the implications of such a centralized power, given historical human corruption and fallibility. Some speculate whether this vision aligns with prophetic warnings of a one-world religion or government, though it remains uncertain if Benedict or any Pope could be directly linked to such a role. The possibility exists that a non-Christian advocate might emerge to champion a unified global belief system. Douglas A. Sylva, in his analysis, suggests that Benedict's proposal challenges existing international bodies like the United Nations to become worthy of expanded authority by adhering to moral principles rooted in charity and truth. Benedict critiques the current world order for promoting a culture of death through policies on abortion, population control, and euthanasia, deeming it unfit to govern effectively. His vision implies a moral and social order that respects life and virtue, pointing toward a future where only a truly righteous authority could bring about the necessary global transformation.

The end-time Beast is expected to have the cooperation and backing of a worldwide religious system, prompting close observation for the unification of the world's religions into one global system. Despite the apparent disunity among various religious groups—such as Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christians maintaining distance, Jews and Arabs in conflict, Shiite and Sunni Moslems wrangling, and the diversity of Eastern and tribal religions—the Bible indicates a brief period of religious unity. This unity, founded on miraculous trickery and brute force, is inherently unstable and short-lived, lasting only a short time as prophesied. God makes this unity possible for the express purpose of fulfilling His plan for mankind, and only His hand is strong enough to allow the world's religions to unite, even temporarily. Ultimately, the political power will turn on its religious partner once it has outlived its usefulness. Though the world religious scene may seem to work against the fulfillment of prophecy, it is right on schedule, as God, the Sovereign Governor of all things, will cause unity in world religion when the time is right and no sooner.