Amid the whirlwind of reactions surrounding Pope Francis’ passing—a topic that’s sparked countless headlines—there’s one overlooked aspect that’s making waves online: a prophecy nearly 1,000 years old. Despite the heavy coverage of the Pope’s death, this ancient prediction has managed to slip under the radar… until now.
Yes, we get it—predictions, prophecies, and premonitions often prompt a collective eye-roll. But this one? It’s captured enough attention to spark conversations across the web. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t find themselves intrigued by an ancient prophecy, especially when it comes to mysterious, spine-tingling visions of doom that—let’s face it—probably won’t ever come true?
If you’ve been anywhere near a news outlet in the past few days, you’ve no doubt heard about the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21. The Vatican confirmed his death at the age of 88, citing complications from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and eventual heart failure.
As the world enters a nine-day period of mourning, and preparations for his burial are underway, there’s one monumental task ahead: selecting the next successor to the papacy. But is this ancient prophecy somehow linked to all of this? That’s what we’re about to dive into. Keep reading if you’re a fan of the strange, the mystical, or just love a good doomsday theory—no matter how unlikely it may seem.
While choosing a new pope is always a deeply significant and solemn process, the stakes could feel even higher this time around—if you’re inclined to believe an eerie 1,000-year-old prophecy.
Enter the Prophecy of the Popes, a mysterious manuscript attributed to Saint Malachy, an Archbishop from Armagh, Ireland, who lived in the 1100s. According to legend, Malachy predicted the reigns of 112 popes, detailing each one in cryptic phrases. And here’s the kicker: the prophecy suggests that after Benedict (who famously became the first pope in centuries to abdicate) there would only be one more pope—Pope Francis.
What’s even more unsettling is the ominous implication that the final pope’s reign might coincide with the end of the world itself. That’s right—according to Saint Malachy, Pope Francis could very well be the last pope ever. Could this prophecy, written nearly a thousand years ago, hold any weight in today’s world? The intrigue continues to grow, sparking discussions that blend history, faith, and a touch of the supernatural.
The final line of the prophecy reads like a chilling ultimatum: “Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations, and when these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The End.”
What’s particularly striking is the fact that Pope Francis chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi—whose father’s name was Pietro, or Peter. A stretch? Perhaps. But for some, it’s a tantalizing connection, fueling speculation that Pope Francis could indeed be the fabled Peter the Roman.
Adding fuel to the fire, some interpretations of the Prophecy of the Popes suggest that the world might meet its end in 2027, giving us a limited window before, according to the prophecy, things take a dramatic turn for the worse.
In light of the current global turmoil, it’s no wonder the prophecy resonates a little too closely with the unsettling reality we’re living in. However, let’s not forget that there are many skeptics who dismiss Saint Malachy’s grim forecast as mere fiction. For example, Josh Canning, director of Toronto’s Chaplaincy at the Newman Centre, bluntly stated in 2013, “I don’t know how you can connect Peter the Roman with Pope Francis.”
What do you think of this centuries-old prophecy? Do you see any truth in it, or is it just another relic of the past? Let us know in the comments.
