Catholics worldwide are celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, as the new leader of the Church following the death of Pope Francis on April 22 at age 88.
Hailing from both the U.S. and Peru, Pope Leo XIV’s rise has brought joy to many—though some are uneasy due to a centuries-old prophecy claiming the next pope would be the last.
The so-called Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to 12th-century bishop Saint Malachy, predicted a final pope named “Peter the Roman” who would lead during the end times. Critics quickly point out that Pope Leo XIV’s real name, Robert Francis Prevost, and his dual nationality don’t fit the prophecy.
Though speculation persists, experts and Church leaders largely dismiss the prophecy as unfounded. For now, Pope Leo XIV seems focused on leading the Church—not dodging doomsday predictions.
