The passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, has reignited discussions surrounding the centuries-old “Prophecy of the Popes,” attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Archbishop of Armagh. This prophecy comprises 112 cryptic Latin phrases, each purportedly corresponding to a future pope, culminating in a final, ominous prediction.Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3BibleAsk+3BibleAsk+2IrishCentral.com+2Wikipedia+2
According to the prophecy, the 112th pope, referred to as “Peter the Roman,” will preside over the Church during a period of severe tribulations, leading to the destruction of Rome and the final judgment. Some proponents have linked this figure to Pope Francis, noting that his birth name, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, connects to “Peter” through his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi, whose father was named Pietro (Peter). Additionally, Pope Francis’s Italian heritage and role as the Bishop of Rome have been cited to support this association.Wikipedia+6BibleAsk+6Express.co.uk+6Wikipedia+1IrishCentral.com+1
However, the authenticity of Saint Malachy’s prophecy is widely disputed among scholars. The prophecy was first published in 1595 by Benedictine monk Arnold Wion, who claimed it was based on a vision Malachy had during a visit to Rome in 1139. Critics argue that the prophecy accurately describes popes up to the late 16th century but becomes vague and inconsistent thereafter, suggesting it may have been a forgery created to influence contemporary papal elections. Historians like Joëlle Rollo-Koster have dismissed the prophecy as a fabrication, emphasizing that its predictive value lacks credibility.Wikipedia+1Express.co.uk+1Check Your Fact
Despite these criticisms, the prophecy has captured the imagination of many, especially during times of papal transition. The recent death of Pope Francis has led some to speculate about the potential fulfillment of the prophecy’s final prediction. However, the Catholic Church does not officially recognize the prophecy, and theologians caution against interpreting such texts as indicators of impending doom. They emphasize that the Church’s teachings do not support the idea of a predetermined end tied to a specific papal succession.
In conclusion, while the “Prophecy of the Popes” remains a topic of intrigue, its legitimacy is highly questionable. The association of Pope Francis with the prophecy’s final figure, “Peter the Roman,” is speculative and lacks substantial evidence. As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, it continues to focus on its spiritual mission, undeterred by apocalyptic predictions rooted in contested historical documents.
