As cardinals gather to elect the next pope, an old prophecy warning of a pope named Peter and the fall of Rome has resurfaced. The Prophecy of the Popes, linked to St. Malachy, suggests the 112th pope will be “Peter the Roman,” after whom Rome will face divine judgment.
With several papal candidates bearing the name Peter—including Pietro Parolin, Peter Turkson, and Péter Erdő—the prophecy has found new relevance. Some even see significance in Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s name, which includes “Peter.”
Yet experts dismiss the prophecy as a historical curiosity rather than divine revelation. They argue it was likely written in the 1500s to influence an election and note its vague, often forced connections to real popes. Pope Francis, the supposed final pope on the list, doesn’t fit the “Peter” description, further weakening the prophecy’s claims.
While the legend adds intrigue to the papal election, the Church’s future will be shaped by faith—not medieval predictions.
