Yep, he, along with many other evils, would rule through the mystery schools and the secret societies originating from Babylon that have infiltrated every major institution. This is what makes knowing who exactly is in charge so difficult; Francis is probably one of the few known actual leaders of the NWO.

The pope in such a case would be poised to be one of the world leaders controlled by demonic influences (along with others like AI, for instance, which the cabal believes is another conduit for Satan).