Historic Moment as Pope Leo XIV Becomes First American Pontiff—But a Chilling Prophecy Resurfaces
The Catholic world is abuzz with historic change following the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost. At 69, he made history on May 8 by becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy—a moment that has sparked global celebration and intense curiosity.
But while many Catholics are rejoicing, whispers of an ancient prophecy are casting a shadow over the Church’s future.
The Return of a Prophecy
With the elevation of Pope Leo XIV, conspiracy theorists have once again resurrected the Prophecy of the Popes, a chilling medieval prediction said to foretell the end of the papacy.
Attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish mystic, the prophecy outlines a cryptic list of 112 future popes—concluding with a final pontiff known only as “Peter the Roman,” under whose reign the Church would face judgment.
Does the Prophecy Point to Pope Leo XIV?
Some theorists are now attempting to link this ominous “final pope” to Leo XIV. But scholars and Church experts are pouring cold water on the speculation.
For starters, the name and heritage don’t match. Pope Leo XIV—Robert Francis Prevost—was born in the U.S. and holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship, not Roman. The title “Peter the Roman” seems misaligned from the outset.
Others had previously tried connecting the prophecy to Pope Francis, but that theory also failed to gain serious traction.
Experts Speak Out
Josh Canning, director at Toronto’s Newman Centre Chaplaincy, dismissed the theory as early as 2013, saying, “I don’t know how you can connect Peter the Roman with Pope Francis.”
Fr. James Weiss, an Episcopal priest and professor at Boston College, is even more direct: “The prophecies are a forgery. I don’t believe there’s any credibility to them.”
Weiss further critiques the popular interpretation of terms like “city of seven hills” (commonly assumed to mean Rome) and the so-called “dreadful judge.” According to him, these may be metaphorical or misinterpreted entirely—potentially referring to earthly leaders or societal changes, rather than a literal doomsday scenario.
A List of Mysteries
The prophecy includes 112 cryptic phrases, beginning with Celestine II in 1143. These aren’t clear-cut names but rather symbolic mottos—like “swift bear” or “rose of Umbria”—meant to vaguely describe each pontiff.
Despite its mysterious allure, the prophecy’s accuracy has long been debated—and largely dismissed by historians and theologians alike.
Historic Moment as Pope Leo XIV Becomes First American Pontiff—But a Chilling Prophecy Resurfaces
The Catholic world is abuzz with historic change following the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost. At 69, he made history on May 8 by becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy—a moment that has sparked global celebration and intense curiosity.
But while many Catholics are rejoicing, whispers of an ancient prophecy are casting a shadow over the Church’s future.
The Return of a Prophecy
With the elevation of Pope Leo XIV, conspiracy theorists have once again resurrected the Prophecy of the Popes, a medieval prediction said to forecast the rise—and end—of future popes.
Attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish bishop and mystic, the prophecy outlines 112 cryptic mottos, each supposedly representing a future pope. The list ominously ends with a figure named “Peter the Roman,” under whose reign the Church would face a time of great tribulation and judgment.
Could Pope Leo XIV Be the Final Pope?
Speculation intensified after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, at the age of 88. Many believers in the prophecy argue that he was the 112th pope on the list—meaning Pope Leo XIV is an unpredicted, possibly final, figure in Church leadership.
But scholars are urging caution—and skepticism.
For starters, Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is neither Roman nor named Peter. He holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship, which undercuts any literal connection to the prophecy’s final pope.
Scholars Push Back
Fr. James Weiss, an Episcopal priest and theology professor at Boston College, has long dismissed the prophecy’s credibility: “The prophecies are a forgery. I don’t believe there’s any credibility to them.”
Weiss explained that while the prophecy’s earlier descriptions—those leading up to the late 1500s—seem uncannily accurate, that’s likely no coincidence. “From Malachy’s era until the late 16th century, the phrases closely align with actual popes. But after that, it’s hit or miss,” he said.
In other words, the early matches may have been written retroactively—a classic hallmark of forged documents.
A Legend Without Evidence
Joëlle Rollo-Koster, a medieval historian at the University of Rhode Island, is even more direct: “As a historian, I am hardcore on the evidence, and that, for me, is the ultimate proof that Malachy did not utter or write any prophecies.” She emphasizes that there is no historical documentation linking St. Malachy to prophetic writings of any kind.
The list of mottos—ranging from cryptic descriptors like “the rose of Umbria” to “the swift bear”—begins with Celestine II, who was elected in 1143. However, many scholars agree the list likely emerged centuries later, casting even more doubt on its authenticity.
Prophecy vs. Reality
So, while the eerie mystery of the Prophecy of the Popes continues to fascinate the public, experts overwhelmingly agree: it’s little more than historical fiction.
Pope Leo XIV may have stepped into the role at a time of global uncertainty and spiritual curiosity, but one thing is clear—his leadership will be shaped far more by faith and vision than by apocalyptic folklore.
He is, by all accounts, a pope to watch—not one to fear.
