Ancient Prophecy Claims New Pope Could Be the Last – With Ominous Warning for Humanity

 Ancient Prophecy Claims New Pope Could Be the Last – With Ominous Warning for Humanity

As Catholics worldwide rejoice in the election of Pope Leo XIV, questions are stirring among believers and skeptics alike about an ancient prophecy that casts a shadow over this new chapter in Church history.

Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—was confirmed as the new head of the Catholic Church on May 8, just weeks after the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 22. The appearance of white smoke over the Vatican marked a moment of celebration, especially for those in the United States and Peru, where the newly elected pope has spent much of his life.

But not everyone is comforted by this spiritual transition.

A mysterious medieval prophecy has resurfaced, one that some claim predicts Pope Leo XIV will be the final Bishop of Rome. Known as the “Prophecy of the Popes,” the text is attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish archbishop, who allegedly foresaw a line of 112 popes ending in catastrophe.

According to the prophecy, the last pontiff—referred to as Peter the Roman—will lead the Church through a time of extreme hardship. The chilling final passage reads:

“Peter the Roman, who will nourish his flock amid many tribulations, after which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the terrible Judge will judge His people. The end.”

Peter the Roman, who will nourish his flock amid many tribulations, after which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the terrible Judge will judge His people. The end.”

Despite the dramatic language, many scholars have long questioned the legitimacy and authorship of the text. In particular, critics point out that the name Peter the Roman does not align with Pope Leo XIV’s given name—Robert Francis Prevost—nor does his dual nationality (American and Peruvian) match the Roman identity implied in the prophecy.

Some had speculated that Pope Francis could have fit the role, though this theory has also faced substantial criticism. As Josh Canning, a Catholic chaplain in Toronto, said back in 2013, “I don’t know how you can connect Peter the Roman with Pope Francis.”

In the absence of fire raining from the heavens or signs of global ruin, many are brushing off the warnings as sensational or symbolic at best. For now, Pope Leo XIV’s focus likely lies on spiritual leadership, unity, and global challenges—not deciphering cryptic medieval predictions.

Still, the age-old prophecy continues to capture public imagination, especially as each new papacy invites questions about faith, fate, and the future of humanity.