# Conspiracy Theories, Pope Benedict XVI, and the Advent Rosary
*2023-12-18*

> Bill Young reflects on recent conspiracy rumors surrounding Pope Benedict XVI and other historical events, shares personal experiences, and leads a heartfelt Advent rosary prayer for peace and truth.

## Opening Thoughts

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young. Today is Monday, December 18, 2023, the day after the third Sunday of Advent. Before we begin the Advent rosary, I want to address some of the conspiracy theories that have been circulating lately.

## Recent Conspiracy Rumors

First, there’s the old JFK conspiracy, which recently resurfaced after an interview with Robert Kennedy Jr. Some claim Lee Harvey Oswald worked for the CIA in the 1950s—four years before the assassination. Second, I’ve spoken before about my time as a financial analyst working with the FBI in 2001. Two women analysts claimed they heard chatter about the events leading up to 9/11, but their warnings were ignored. The theory that the CIA was involved in those events remains unproven.

A newer rumor concerns a nun in Colombia who allegedly received a vision from the late Pope Benedict XVI. According to her, Benedict was “held hostage” and murdered at age 95, and Pope Francis supposedly knew about it. I have no evidence to confirm or deny this story; it may be a misunderstanding or a symbolic vision rather than a literal claim.

I also recall a conversation with a priest who once worked for Pope Francis in Rome. He mentioned a meeting with Benedict XVI that was never followed up, and after that the priest stopped responding to my messages. Whether this was a simple communication breakdown or something more intentional, I cannot say.

## Personal Encounters with the Pope

When I saw Pope Francis in Washington, D.C., I was overwhelmed with admiration and shouted, “I love you, Pope!” The same happened when I saw John Paul II years earlier. While Pope Francis gave me a distant look, I don’t read that as a conspiracy—just a human moment.

I also want to share a small miracle I experienced just before the October 7 attacks in Israel. While visiting a neighbor, I smelled roses in the house despite seeing no petals. When I asked, the person said they didn’t notice any scent. Perhaps it was a sign of Mary’s presence, as I have often felt in my Legion of Mary ministry.

## Advent Rosary and Prayers

Let us now pray the Advent rosary, asking for peace in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and every place torn by war. We pray for those kidnapped, for the suffering, and for the grace to bring the light of Christ into darkness.

We begin with the Apostles’ Creed, the Our Father, and three Hail Marys for peace, love, and charity. Then we meditate on the Joyful Mysteries: the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation, and the Finding of the Child in the Temple, each accompanied by the Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be.

May the Holy Spirit guide our hearts, and may Mary, Mother of God, intercede for us now and at the hour of our death.

## Closing Prayer

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead our souls to heaven, especially those most in need of mercy. Amen.

*May we keep praying for truth and peace, trusting that God’s light will ultimately dispel all darkness.*