The recent passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has reignited interest in an ancient prophecy that some claim foretells the end of the papacy. Known as The Prophecy of the Popes, this centuries-old document has fueled debates among theologians, historians, and conspiracy theorists alike. While many dismiss it as a forgery, its cryptic nature and striking coincidences continue to captivate imaginations.
Pope Francis: A Historical Milestone
Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at his residence in Vatican City. As the first Latin American pontiff, his papacy began on March 13, 2013. He was marked by efforts to modernize the Church and advocate for the marginalized. His death ended an era that many viewed as transformative. Yet his legacy is now overshadowed by claims tied to a purported doomsday prophecy.
The Prophecy of the Popes: Origins and Mysteries
The Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, an Irish Archbishop from the 12th century, was first published in 1595 by Benedictine monk Arnold de Wyon. It consists of 112 cryptic Latin phrases. Each believed to describe a pope from Celestine II in 1143 to the present day. The prophecy ends ominously with a figure called “Peter the Roman,” who is associated with tribulation and the destruction of Rome.
Resurfacing Amid Mourning
As the Vatican concluded its mourning period for Pope Francis, conspiracy theorists claimed that the prophecy’s final line applies to him. Identifying him as the last pope. The timing has sparked heated discussions, with some asserting that the Church will face unprecedented changes or dissolution.
Expert Perspectives on the Prophecy
Historians and theologians largely view The Prophecy of the Popes as a forgery. Fr. James Weiss, an Episcopal priest and professor of church history at Boston College, notes inconsistencies in the descriptions of post-1590 popes. “The prophecy is more a compilation of vague assertions than an accurate prediction,” Weiss explained. This emphasized that its credibility diminishes beyond its initial entries.
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Interpretations of “Peter the Roman”
The final entry of the prophecy, which references “Peter the Roman,” has long been a subject of apocalyptic speculation. It speaks of “feeding the flock amid tribulations” and concludes with a forewarning about the destruction of Rome. While some interpret this as a harbinger of the end times, Weiss suggests alternative meanings. “The passage could symbolize internal struggles within the Church or external challenges from global powers,” he proposed.
Counting Controversies
Part of the debate stems from discrepancies in the numbering of popes. While Pope Francis is officially the 266th pope, some proponents of the prophecy count certain antipopes—rival claimants to the papacy—as legitimate, positioning him as the 112th and final leader. This divergence further muddles interpretations of the prophecy.
The Conclave: Choosing a Successor
Despite these controversies, preparations for the papal conclave are underway. Eligible cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope, with frontrunners including Pietro Parolin, Peter Erdo, Jean-Marc Aveline, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The outcome could either refute or add new layers to the prophecy’s mystique.
Looking Beyond the Prophecy
While speculation about the prophecy’s implications continues, many Catholics focus on the future. Pope Francis’ successor will face significant challenges, from addressing secularization to navigating geopolitical tensions. “Prophecies are distractions,” Weiss concluded. “The real story is in how the Church evolves to meet the needs of its followers.”
The resurgence of The Prophecy of the Popes
The resurgence of The Prophecy of the Popes following Pope Francis’ passing reflects humanity’s enduring fascination with mystery and the unknown. Whether viewed as historical fiction or a cautionary tale, its legacy endures as a reminder of the power of faith, fear, and interpretation. As the conclave unfolds, the world watches not for the end, but for the next chapter in the story of the Catholic Church.
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