'Last pope' before end of days in horrifying 800-year-old prophecy after Pope Francis' death
The "Prophecy of the Popes", purportedly penned in the 1100s by Saint Malachy, is said to enumerate 112 popes. The list is nearing its conclusion, with only a mention of "Peter the Roman" remaining before the apocalypse.
While the prophecy provides accurate depictions of the popes up until approximately 1590, the descriptions thereafter are notably vague. This has led some to link "Peter the Roman" to Pope Francis, given his Italian roots and birth name - Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, after suffering a stroke which resulted in a coma and ultimately "irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse,'' as per Vatican reports.
In the wake of Pope Francis' death, leaders of the Catholic Church have initiated the process to elect his successor through a conclave of 120 cardinals, all under the age of 80.
Pope Francis pictured in his open coffin
The prophecy's final entry regarding "Peter the Roman", who was predicted to become pope in 2027, states that this "last pope" will guide the church during a period of great upheaval, culminating in the destruction of Rome and the end of the papacy.
"In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End," reads the last passage.
This ominous prophecy has sparked apocalyptic fears among some believers, associating the emergence of Peter the Roman with the end times predicted for 2027. The French seer Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, is also credited with foretelling the rule of Peter the Roman, reports
the Mirror US
.
However, historians have debated the authenticity of the text, suggesting it might have been crafted for political reasons. Many academics believe that the prophecies were intentionally made vague following their unearthing, making any interpretation highly speculative.
Following the Pope's passing, Catholics worldwide will engage in Novendiale, a nine-day period of mourning. Subsequently, the Pope will be interred at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy.
The next step is the election of a new pope, overseen by the church's highest-ranking officials, the College of Cardinals.
These potential papal candidates are usually ordained bishops nominated by the Pope himself. Currently, there are 252 cardinals, but only 138 are eligible to cast their vote for the successor of Pope Francis.
On Tuesday, April 22, images of Pope Francis lying in state in an open casket were released as the Vatican begins funeral preparations.
The 88 year old was presented for the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff ceremony. The placement of his body in the coffin took place last night at the Chapel of Santa Marta, according to the Vatican.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, conducted the official declaration of death in a ceremony lasting under an hour.
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