This view of the end times has its origins in Dave Wilkerson’s book “The Vision” (he is also well known for the book, The cross and the switchblade". In it, he predicts the Pope will compromise on key doctrines to accommodate liberal protestants and assimilate them into the fold. The Roman church will also approve gay marriage. The Pope will become little more than a liberal bobble head. In fact, Rome will become more of a political organization than a religious one. It’s been a year or two since I’ve read the book but what your coworker said is pretty much consistent with this prophecy. Some might dismiss it as absurd conspiracy but when you look at what a lot of Catholics today in America believe, especially America. ones, it’s not so far off. A decent percentage are accepting of gay marriage and there is more of a pluralistic mindset amongst Catholics due to a misunderstanding/overemphasis on ecumenism. When people see an image of a Pope kissing a koran, you can imagine what most people are going think despite more conservative Catholics protesting the “misrepresentations of the media”. It’s something to be concerned about.
FYI, this is not my view nor am I promoting revelation contained in private revelation.