The Catholic world is abuzz following the historic election of Pope Leo XIV. On May 8, 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost, a former cardinal with dual American and Peruvian citizenship, was confirmed as the new leader of the Catholic Church—making him the first American ever to ascend to the papacy.
A 12th-Century Prophecy Resurfaces
The so-called Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to 12th-century Irish mystic Saint Malachy, has long fascinated conspiracy theorists. According to the prophecy, only 112 popes would follow Malachy’s time, with the final one cryptically described as “Peter the Roman.” Some theorists are now speculating whether Pope Leo XIV fits that apocalyptic mold.
However, experts have swiftly pushed back on such claims. Pope Leo XIV—born Robert Prevost—neither bears the name Peter nor holds Italian citizenship. In fact, previous attempts to link “Peter the Roman” to the late Pope Francis were also widely dismissed.
Experts Cast Doubt on the Prophecy’s Validity
Josh Canning, director of the Newman Centre’s chaplaincy in Toronto, previously questioned the logic of connecting the prophecy to Pope Francis. “I don’t know how you can connect Peter the Roman with Pope Francis,” he remarked back in 2013.
Fr. James Weiss, an Episcopal priest and professor at Boston College, was even more blunt. “The prophecies are a forgery,” he said. “I don’t believe there’s any credibility to them.” According to Weiss, the list attributed to St. Malachy includes 112 symbolic phrases, starting with Celestine II in 1143. These cryptic mottos—like “swift bear” and “rose of Umbria”—align fairly well with the historical record until the late 1500s, when many scholars believe the list was actually written. After that, Weiss says, “It’s hit or miss.”
Some of the prophecy’s terms—such as references to the “city of seven hills” and a “dreadful judge”—are also viewed with skepticism. Weiss interprets them as metaphors, possibly for political upheaval or national trials, not global cataclysm.
A Theory Rekindled by Tragedy
The prophecy gained renewed attention after the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88. Since he was widely considered to be the 112th pope in the list, some saw his passing as a signal that the final era had begun. But historians remain unconvinced.
“There’s no solid evidence connecting Malachy to any prophetic writing,” says Joëlle Rollo-Koster, a professor of medieval history at the University of Rhode Island. “As a historian, I rely on documentation—and there’s nothing to support the idea that Malachy ever wrote or spoke these prophecies.”
A Pope to Watch, Not to Fear
Although conspiracy theories have resurfaced, there is little credible evidence linking Pope Leo XIV to any doomsday predictions. What is certain, however, is that his papacy marks a new chapter for the Church—historically, geopolitically, and spiritually.
Whether or not you believe in ancient prophecies, one thing is clear: Pope Leo XIV’s leadership is already making headlines—and he’s only just begun.
