According to an ancient document known as the Prophecy of the Popes, Pope Francis might be the final pope before the end of the world, projected to occur in 2027. This prophecy, attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Archbishop of Armagh, consists of 112 cryptic Latin phrases, each allegedly foretelling the characteristics of future popes.
Malachy is said to have received this vision during a visit to Rome in 1139, where he reportedly saw and recorded descriptions of future popes, the last of whom he called “Peter the Roman.” This final entry warns of a period of turmoil for the Church and the destruction of Rome, marking the end times:“In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit 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.”
Intriguingly, there is only one place left in the Vatican’s designated gallery for papal portraits after Pope Francis. Some suggest this aligns ominously with the prophecy’s end-time prediction.Content, Structure, and Skepticism.
The prophecies start with Pope Celestine II in 1130 and conclude with “Peter the Roman.” Over time, many descriptions have seemed to match historical popes, especially until 1590. However, beyond this period, they grow vague, leading scholars to suspect the document might be a forgery from the 16th century, crafted to influence papal elections. Critics argue that it may have been published to bolster Cardinal Girolamo Simoncelli’s papal bid.Cultural Impact and Enduring FascinationDespite questions about authenticity, the Prophecy of the Popes has sparked the public’s imagination.
For instance:•Pope John Paul II’s description was “De labore solis” (from the toil of the sun), interpreted as linking to his birth during a solar eclipse. •Pope Benedict XVI’s phrase, “Gloria Olivae” (the glory of the olive), was associated with the Benedictine Order, also known as the Olivetans.
The prophecy’s supposed finality with Pope Francis, whose papal name references Saint Francis of Assisi (whose father was named Pietro or Peter), continues to inspire apocalyptic speculation. As with all historical prophecies, Saint Malachy’s predictions remain both intriguing and contentious, caught between tradition, mystery, and doubt.
