Joseph_Bates

Joseph Bates (1792-1872), early Adventist leader who convinced Ellen G. White of the importance of the seventh-day Sabbath. In 2015, many Adventists believe that Pope Francis’ recent visit to the United States anticipates a future time when the secular United States government and Roman Catholic papacy will conspire together to outlaw worship on the Sabbath (Saturdays), an event of persecution that anticipates the imminent Second Coming of Christ.