Catholics around the world are celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, as the new head of the Catholic Church.
Chosen by the Vatican’s College of Cardinals on May 8, his appointment comes just weeks after the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday, April 22.
Pope Leo XIV’s deep ties to both the U.S. and Peru have made his election particularly meaningful to many. However, not everyone is enthusiastic. A centuries-old prophecy has resurfaced, claiming he may be the final pope.
The “Prophecy of the Popes,” attributed to 12th-century bishop Saint Malachy, predicts 112 more popes after his time—ending with a figure called “Peter the Roman,” under whom the Church faces tribulation and Rome is destroyed.
Skeptics quickly point out that Pope Leo XIV’s real name, Robert Francis Prevost, bears no resemblance to “Peter,” nor is he Roman by nationality. Many scholars consider the prophecy a later forgery.
Despite lingering doomsday theories, most believe Pope Leo XIV is focused on uniting the Church, not fulfilling ancient predictions. Unless fire rains from the sky, the new pope seems to have more pressing matters than Saint Malachy’s ominous manuscript.
