Catholics Celebrate Election of Pope Leo XIV Amid Resurfaced Prophecy Claiming He Could Be the Last
Catholics around the world are celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV, chosen by the Vatican’s College of Cardinals to lead the global Church.
Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—was officially confirmed as pontiff on 8 May, just weeks after the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday (22 April).
The iconic sight of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney brought joy to millions, particularly in the United States and Peru—countries where Pope Leo XIV spent much of his life and ministry.
However, not everyone is embracing the moment with unreserved optimism. A recently resurfaced prophecy has stirred unease among some observers, claiming that the 69-year-old pope may be the last Bishop of Rome.
This prophecy stems from the controversial and often-debated “Prophecy of the Popes”, a manuscript allegedly written in the 1100s by Saint Malachy, an Irish archbishop. The document outlines a list of 112 popes following Malachy's time, culminating in a final figure known as “Peter the Roman”, who is said to lead the Church during a period of great tribulation.
The prophecy concludes with a chilling message:
“Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations; and when these things are completed, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The end.”
While dramatic, many scholars and religious authorities have dismissed the text as apocryphal or even a forgery created centuries after Malachy’s death. In fact, the document remained largely unknown until it was published in the late 16th century—raising serious doubts about its authenticity.
Critics of the prophecy also point out clear inconsistencies. Pope Leo XIV’s full name, Robert Francis Prevost, contains no mention of “Peter,” nor is he Italian, as the title “the Roman” would suggest. He holds both American and Peruvian citizenship.
Some previously speculated that Pope Francis might have been the mysterious final pope, but that theory was similarly debunked on the same grounds.
Back in 2013, Josh Canning, Director of Chaplaincy at the Newman Centre in Toronto, told Global News:
“I don’t know how you can connect Peter the Roman with Pope Francis.”
So, unless doomsday arrives tomorrow with comets and chaos, there’s little reason to believe this ancient prophecy holds weight today.
For now, Pope Leo XIV seems more focused on the real-world challenges facing the Catholic Church than on centuries-old predictions attributed to a medieval mystic.
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