This is the lofty description of that mighty monarch sent by God. He is described as a ‘mighty angel’, for none can resist him, the envoy of God. He will ‘come down from heaven’; that is to say, he will be born in the bosom of the Catholic Church. The ‘cloud’ with which he is clothed signifies humility, with which, from youth upward and without any great parade, he walks in the simplicity of his heart. The protection of God is thereby indicated, that, on account of his humility, will encompass him.
The ‘rainbow about his head’ denotes that he will bring peace to the whole earth. The ‘solar lustre’ of his brow signifies the splendour of his glory, his honour, his holiness, his talents: so that all princes will follow his example. The ‘fiery pillars’ at his feet symbolize the vast extent of his power, and the fire of his religious zeal. ‘Open Book’ means that he will rule with justice…
The spread of the Church over all countries will take place by the instrumentality of this strong monarch, and before the destruction of the world, Christianity will be preached to all nations of the earth; as this is foretold in Matthew and Isaiah and in Micah.