The death of Pope Francis has reignited interest in a mysterious prophecy that some believe predicts the end of the papacy. The Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to St. Malachy, names 112 pontiffs—ending with “Peter the Roman,” who will reign during Rome’s destruction.
Today, three leading candidates—Pietro Parolin, Peter Turkson, and Péter Erdő—share the name Peter, raising eyebrows among prophecy enthusiasts. Even Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s name, meaning “Peter the Baptist,” has been scrutinized.
But scholars say the prophecy is likely a 16th-century hoax. Its predictions only became accurate after its “discovery,” and Pope Francis—the 112th pope on the list—doesn’t match the “Peter” description.
Whether fact or fiction, the prophecy adds drama to the papal election. But the Church’s next leader will be chosen through prayer and deliberation—not medieval mysticism.
