A 1,000-year-old prophecy attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish archbishop, has captured attention once again following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025. Known as the “Prophecy of the Popes,” this mysterious document lists 112 Latin phrases, each supposedly describing a future pope. According to many interpretations, the final phrase refers to a pope called “Peter the Roman,” who is said to lead the Church during a time of great turmoil, eventually culminating in the destruction of Rome and the Last Judgment.
The prophecy remained hidden for centuries and only emerged in 1595 when it was published by Benedictine monk Arnold de Wyon. While the prophecy’s predictions seem remarkably accurate for popes before 1590, skeptics argue this could indicate the document was forged to influence papal conclaves of that era. After the 16th century, the descriptions become vaguer, leading many scholars and theologians to doubt the authenticity and divine origin of the prophecy.
Despite these doubts, interest in the prophecy surges each time a pope dies or resigns. In 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI resigned, many believed Pope Francis might be the final pope described in the prophecy. However, his motto in the prophecy, “Petrus Romanus,” did not fit, leading others to speculate the next pope would fulfill this ominous title.
Now, with Pope Francis gone and a new conclave approaching, curiosity about who will be elected has intensified. Three of the frontrunners for the papacy reportedly bear the name “Peter” in some form, leading believers in the prophecy to worry that the final prediction is about to be fulfilled. The prophecy suggests that during the reign of Peter the Roman, the Church will face persecution, Rome will be destroyed, and a divine judgment will follow. This aligns with apocalyptic themes in Christian tradition, heightening fear and fascination.
Still, the Catholic Church does not officially recognize the prophecy, and many theologians dismiss it as either a forgery or a pious fraud. Historians point out the lack of any mention of the prophecy before 1595, as well as the suspiciously accurate descriptions of earlier popes. Furthermore, none of the modern popes openly embrace the idea that they are part of a divinely revealed succession plan, especially one with such grim implications.
Yet, for some, the possibility that we are nearing the end of this prophetic sequence is too striking to ignore. In an age of political, environmental, and spiritual upheaval, the idea that a centuries-old prophecy may be coming to pass resonates with a public increasingly drawn to signs, symbols, and mystery. Whether seen as superstition or supernatural insight, the prophecy of Saint Malachy continues to stir deep questions about faith, destiny, and the future of the Catholic Church.
As the world waits for the College of Cardinals to choose the next pope, eyes turn once more to ancient texts and cryptic predictions. Whether coincidence or fulfillment, the shadow of “Peter the Roman” looms large.
A 1,000-year-old prophecy attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish archbishop, has captured attention once again following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025. Known as the “Prophecy of the Popes,” this mysterious document lists 112 Latin phrases, each supposedly describing a future pope. According to many interpretations, the final phrase refers to a pope called “Peter the Roman,” who is said to lead the Church during a time of great turmoil, eventually culminating in the destruction of Rome and the Last Judgment.
The prophecy remained hidden for centuries and only emerged in 1595 when it was published by Benedictine monk Arnold de Wyon. While the prophecy’s predictions seem remarkably accurate for popes before 1590, skeptics argue this could indicate the document was forged to influence papal conclaves of that era. After the 16th century, the descriptions become vaguer, leading many scholars and theologians to doubt the authenticity and divine origin of the prophecy.
Despite these doubts, interest in the prophecy surges each time a pope dies or resigns. In 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI resigned, many believed Pope Francis might be the final pope described in the prophecy. However, his motto in the prophecy, “Petrus Romanus,” did not fit, leading others to speculate the next pope would fulfill this ominous title.
Now, with Pope Francis gone and a new conclave approaching, curiosity about who will be elected has intensified. Three of the frontrunners for the papacy reportedly bear the name “Peter” in some form, leading believers in the prophecy to worry that the final prediction is about to be fulfilled. The prophecy suggests that during the reign of Peter the Roman, the Church will face persecution, Rome will be destroyed, and a divine judgment will follow. This aligns with apocalyptic themes in Christian tradition, heightening fear and fascination.
Still, the Catholic Church does not officially recognize the prophecy, and many theologians dismiss it as either a forgery or a pious fraud. Historians point out the lack of any mention of the prophecy before 1595, as well as the suspiciously accurate descriptions of earlier popes. Furthermore, none of the modern popes openly embrace the idea that they are part of a divinely revealed succession plan, especially one with such grim implications.
Yet, for some, the possibility that we are nearing the end of this prophetic sequence is too striking to ignore. In an age of political, environmental, and spiritual upheaval, the idea that a centuries-old prophecy may be coming to pass resonates with a public increasingly drawn to signs, symbols, and mystery. Whether seen as superstition or supernatural insight, the prophecy of Saint Malachy continues to stir deep questions about faith, destiny, and the future of the Catholic Church.
As the world waits for the College of Cardinals to choose the next pope, eyes turn once more to ancient texts and cryptic predictions. Whether coincidence or fulfillment, the shadow of “Peter the Roman” looms large.
