Pope Francis & The Prophecy: Are We In The Last Days?
Are we on the precipice of a prophetic fulfillment, staring into the twilight of the papacy? The ancient prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, suggests that Pope Francis, the 112th on the list, may be the final shepherd before a period of immense tribulation for the Catholic Church.
The narrative begins with Pope Benedict XVI, the 111th pope according to the prophecy. His successor, Pope Francis, then ascended to the papacy on March 13, 2013, inheriting a role steeped in both spiritual significance and, according to the prophecy, a potentially calamitous future. The prophecy itself, originating in the twelfth century, is a series of 112 short Latin phrases, each believed to cryptically describe a pope. The final phrase speaks of "Peter the Roman," a figure who will preside over the Church during its ultimate trial.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | Following a stroke |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Took Office | March 13, 2013 |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Successor | (Speculation ongoing) |
| Previous Roles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal |
| Notable for | First Jesuit Pope, first from the Americas, commitment to social justice, poverty, humility, and environmental stewardship. |
| Connection to Prophecy | Considered by many to be the 112th pope in the Prophecy of the Popes, potentially the penultimate before "Peter the Roman." |
| External Reference | Vatican Website: The Holy See - Pope Francis |
The core of the prophecy, often attributed to Irish Archbishop Saint Malachy, is a list of 112 short phrases enigmatic mottoes in Latin each believed to represent a pope. While the authenticity of the prophecy remains a subject of debate, its chilling alignment with contemporary events cannot be easily dismissed. Pope Francis, in this context, is often seen as the 112th and final but one name on this list, the one destined to usher in "Peter the Roman."
The crux of the matter lies in the interpretation of the prophecy. It suggests that during the papacy of the last pope, God will judge the pope, and the "city of seven hills" Rome will be destroyed. The Bible itself, in Revelation 17, prophesies the destruction of Rome, further fueling the speculation surrounding the current pontiff and the potential culmination of the prophecy. The question then becomes: are we living in the times of the last pope in church history?
For centuries, the ancient world was captivated by the notion of foresight, of individuals gifted with the ability to perceive the future. Saint Malachy's prophecy fits squarely into this historical context, as it claims to describe the future of the papacy with unsettling accuracy. The prophecy's precision, however, notably diminishes after the papacy of 1590, leaving room for interpretation and debate.
The enigmatic phrase associated with Pope Francis in the prophecy is "In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit." The implication is that Pope Francis is the second last pope, bringing us closer to the figure of "Peter the Roman." Compounding the mystery, some interpretations of the prophecy suggest that the final day of the last pope's pontificate could be Thursday, March 18, 2032. This specific date adds an additional layer of intrigue to the speculation, though it is crucial to remember that prophecy interpretation is inherently subjective.
Following Pope Francis's death, the search for his successor, "Peter the Roman," will begin, potentially pushing the Catholic Church into an era of unprecedented turmoil. The prophecy suggests that this final pope will preside over the Church's greatest trial before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, is one intriguing figure in discussions concerning a potential successor. The choice of the next pope will undoubtedly be one of the most scrutinized and consequential decisions in recent Church history.
The origins of the prophecy lie with Saint Malachy. According to legend, while visiting Rome, he received a vision of the future, encompassing the names of 112 popes. He recorded these visions in 112 short Latin phrases, each meant to capture the essence of a specific pontiff. The connection is made that the name Francis of Assisi, which Pope Francis adopted, is associated with Saint Francis whose father's first name was "Pietro".
The potential fulfillment of this prophecy is all the more poignant given Pope Franciss recent death. Some observers even claim that he died on Easter Monday, a day of deep religious significance. The final phrase of the prophecy, "Peter the Roman," adds a layer of ominousness. The prophecy suggests that the final pope's papacy will be marked by an era of tribulation, with the church facing its most profound challenges before the second coming of Jesus Christ. This has prompted many to believe that the current events unfolding around Pope Francis are, in fact, the last of the papal prophecies.
The intrigue surrounding Pope Francis and the prophecy is not without its dissenters. Some, like Tom Horn, do not believe that Pope Francis was legitimately elected. The arguments against his election are based on the complex rules and procedures that govern the election of a pope.
The prophecy's enduring power stems from its perceived alignment with current events. Regardless of whether it's interpreted literally or symbolically, it encourages reflection on the Church's future. It poses fundamental questions about faith, history, and the direction of the world.
In conclusion, the prophecy of the Popes presents a compelling narrative, weaving together historical figures, mysterious pronouncements, and apocalyptic visions. Whether Pope Francis truly embodies the 112th pope, and if "Peter the Roman" is indeed on the horizon, the prophecy's influence is undeniable. The speculation is all the more intensified by Pope Francis's recent passing. The final chapter of this prophetic story is still being written, and its outcome remains shrouded in mystery.
