Prophecy Foretelling the "Last Pope" Suggests End Times Loom for Pope Francis

When Pope Francis Passed away in April 2025 on Easter Monday, he was grieved by countless individuals. This pope, who advocated for peace, emphasized compassion, understanding, and embracing diversity in his teachings.

His passing triggered waves of sorrow across the Catholic community and sparked concerns globally, with many pondering what sort of leadership might emerge from one of the most influential religious organizations worldwide.

Still, for certain devotees, there’s an even darker cause for concern. An ancient prediction discussing the end of days is now being seen by some as linked to Pope Francis. This prophecy cautions about the arrival of the “final pontiff” and the onset of Judgment Day.

This is what we understand regarding that prophecy.

This is what we understand regarding a prophecy indicating that the deceased Pope Francis might be the "final pope."

The absence of Pope Francis is deeply mourned within the Catholic Church, particularly by those with more progressive beliefs. They see his messages about inclusivity, compassion, and looking after one another as an essential perspective in our current challenging times.

However, certain followers believe that his demise indicates an even darker shift approaching, which could potentially signal the end of the world as described in the Scriptures.

The prophecy in question was allegedly made by Saint Malachy, a genuine saint born in 1094 and passed away in 1148.

According to Catholic.com , which examined the various discrepancies related to the prophecy, he was indeed considered a saint known for accurately forecasting all the popes who would be named in " Prophecy of the Popes ", with the total figure stated as 112. Nonetheless, this particular number seems to have some connection to a piece of work authored by the Italian historian Onofrio Panvinio, as noted in the book "AHistorical andCritical Examinationofthe AllegedPropheciesbySt.MalachyConcerningPapalSuccessions" byM.J.O'Brienin1880.

Onofrio, who passed away in 1568, connected St. Malachy's prophecies directly with the pontiffs guiding the Church from Urban VI in 1378 through Gregory XIII in 1572. It’s worth mentioning that his series of “precise forecasts” concluded four years following his demise, as observed by various sources. Wichita State University After this juncture, St. Malachy's prophecies show significantly lower accuracy in comparison to the real pontiffs who succeeded Pope Gregory XIII.

The alleged prophecy of St. Malachy suggested that following the 112th pope, the end times would commence.

Why do some individuals think the prophecy refers to Pope Francis?

The alleged St. Malachy's list, known as the "Prophecy of the Popes," was reportedly compiled, collected, and potentially authored by the monk Arnold Wion.

Britannica notes that the prophecy is incorrectly attributed to St. Malachy and is frequently employed by individuals within the Church to advance their personal goals.

So why are people convinced that the so-called prophecy is about Pope Francis?

The New York Post The report indicates that the alleged list attributed to Saint Malachy states that the last pope will be known as "Peter the Roman." It reads, “During the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit Peter the Roman, who will pasture his flock amidst many hardships, and when these things have been completed, then the city of seven hills shall be utterly razed” (extract provided). New York Post ).

People who adhere to this prophecy assert that Pope Francis is identified as the prophesied figure known as "Peter the Roman," with predictions suggesting that his papacy will conclude around 2027, coinciding with what they see as the beginning of the End Times.

Still, there are sufficient discrepancies that they ought to provide reassurance even to the most devoted believers.

Firstly, numerous Catholic scholars like Jimmy Akin of National Catholic Register I believe that the prophecy is a fabrication that was inserted into sacred writings.

While some of the depictions of the popes on this list can be readily linked to actual popes who existed, numerous others are too ambiguous and cannot be definitively identified.

Including "Peter the Roman."

So even if St. Malachy wrote the prophecy and it correlates to actual popes who lived, it's unclear if Pope Francis is even the pope named in the prophecy.

So we wouldn't make a run on your End Times plans just yet.