While the Catholic church celebrates a new pope, a chilling prophecy made by Nostradamus nearly 500 years ago has once again emerged.
As you have probably seen, the Vatican’s conclave wrapped up quickly this time around, which is a blessing considering one conclave once lasted for three years.
On 7 May, the College of Cardinals announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago had secured the top job, succeeding the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday (21 April) at the age of 88.
Prevost, 69, is known for his moderate views and deep ties to both the U.S. and Peru.
The new Pope goes by the name Leo XIV.
But while the world, and particularly Americans, celebrate the appointment of the first US-born pope, there could be something more sinister afoot if a long-standing prophecy is to be believed.
Back in 1555, the French astrologer Michel de Nostredame — aka Nostradamus — published Les Prophéties, a collection of verses that have since been interpreted as predicting everything from world wars to natural disasters.
And yes, he had something to say about the papacy, too, per the Economic Times.
“Through the death of a very old Pontiff / A Roman of good age will be elected / Of him it will be said that he weakens his seat / But long will he sit and in mordant activity,” he wrote.
Followers of the famed seer believe the “very old Pontiff” could be none other than Pope Francis, whose death last month this year marked the end of a decade-long reign.
As for his successor? Interpretations vary wildly, but many agree that Nostradamus envisioned some sort of decline or crisis for the Church following the transition.
He also added a more cryptic note about the next leader: “A young man of dark skin with the help of the great king will deliver the purse to another of red colour.”
The imagery is vague (as always), but some believe it suggests a major shift in religious power, possibly hinting at a divide or disruption within the Church’s hierarchy.
And it’s not just Nostradamus fanning the flames of Vatican doomsday drama.
In the 1500s, another mystic warning about the papacy gained traction — this one attributed to Irish Saint Malachy.
According to the Prophecy of the Popes, a book by Benedictine monk Arnold Wion, Malachy had a vision during a 12th-century trip to Rome.
The prophecy allegedly listed the names (or symbolic descriptions) of every pope from then until — you guessed it — the end of the world.
According to Malachy’s vision, Pope Francis’ death would trigger the final chapter.
“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 text reads. “The End.”
Some interpret the “seven-hilled city” as Rome and “Peter the Roman” as the final Pope.
Despite the eerie timing and poetic coincidences, most theologians aren’t losing sleep over medieval prophecies.
