The recent election of Pope Leo XIV has not only made headlines across the globe—but also reignited centuries-old speculation about the end of the papacy. At 69, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost made history on May 8 as the first American (and Peruvian-born) pope. While many celebrated the milestone, others are turning their eyes to an ominous old prophecy.
A medieval legend attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish archbishop, foretells a succession of 112 popes—ending with a mysterious figure known only as “Peter the Roman.” Some now wonder: could Pope Leo XIV be the last name on that list?
This so-called Prophecy of the Popes is a cryptic collection of short Latin phrases, supposedly describing each pope from Celestine II (elected in 1143) to the end of days. The final entry describes a pope who would lead the Church through “great tribulation,” ending in destruction.
Despite the chilling tone, scholars remain highly skeptical.
Pope Leo XIV—born Robert Prevost—has no ties to the name Peter, nor was he born in Rome, though he now resides in Vatican City. Similarly, past efforts to link “Peter the Roman” to Pope Francis never quite held up under scrutiny.
Years ago, Toronto chaplain Josh Canning dismissed the theory outright, and Boston College’s Fr. James Weiss labeled the entire prophecy a fabrication. He notes that the list seems uncannily accurate up through the 16th century—then devolves into vague and inconsistent phrases that don’t clearly align with recent popes.
The strange mottos—like “glory of the olive” or “angelic shepherd”—seem more poetic than prophetic, and some even argue that the entire document was written centuries after Saint Malachy’s death.
The theory gained traction once again following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. Many believed he was the 112th pope referenced by the prophecy, fueling speculation that the Church might soon face a major turning point. But historians, including Joëlle Rollo-Koster of the University of Rhode Island, continue to urge caution. There is no verified link between Malachy and the prophetic list.
Rather than a sign of doom, many Catholics see Pope Leo XIV as a symbol of new beginnings—an opportunity to guide the Church into the future with renewed faith and leadership.
So is he the final pope? The ancient legend continues to inspire theories and debate, but historical evidence suggests the Church’s story is far from over.
