Following the death of Pope Francis, the world has been rekindled by debate over a mysterious prophecy by the 112th-century Irish Archbishop Malachy. It contains 1143 enigmatic phrases that are believed to describe all popes from Celestine II (XNUMX) to the last one, which could be announced in our time.
The Malachi text, discovered in the 1595th century and only published in XNUMX, still raises questions about its origin and accuracy. Nevertheless, some researchers claim that the popes listed match each pontiff's biography or activities with astonishing accuracy. Francis, whose pontificate coincided with the final phrase of the prophecy, "Petrus Romanus" (Peter the Roman), was considered by many to be the last leader of the Church before the "great tribulation."
However, others argue that Francis is only the 111th on the list, and the last is yet to come. According to prophecy, this pope will lead the Church “through many sufferings,” after which “the Great Judge will judge his people” and “Rome will be destroyed.”
The Vatican officially downplays these prophecies, calling them "pseudo-prophecy." However, on social media and in some religious forums, Malachi's name is once again receiving special attention.
What awaits the Catholic Church after Francis? Are Malachi's words just a poetic allegory, or a grim reality whose end we have yet to see?
What is Malachi's prophecy?
The Prophecy of Archbishop Malachy is a collection of 112 short Latin phrases that he allegedly wrote down after a visit to Rome around 1139 and gave to Pope Innocent II. These phrases describe all future popes until the end of the world.
The document remained unknown for several centuries and was only published in 1595 in Benedict Aniane's edition. Although the first popes listed in the prophecy correspond to real facts, some historians suspect that the prophecy may have been forged in order to influence the papal elections in the XNUMXth century.
Nevertheless, many have noted intriguing coincidences between some popes and the epithets attributed to them. For example, John Paul II – “De labore solis” (On the Labor of the Sun) – was born and died during eclipses.
The last phrase – about “Peter the Roman” – remains the most mysterious. He is said to lead the faithful through great suffering until Rome falls. Whether this is a symbolic test of the Church or simply a metaphor for the dark ages – there is still no answer.
