The idea that the current Pope, Francis, is the last Pope comes from various interpretations of historical and prophetic texts. One of the most well-known sources for this claim is the Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish bishop. This prophecy lists 112 Popes, with Pope Francis being the last one under the title Petrus Romanus (Peter the Roman). According to this prophecy, his reign would mark the end of the Church as it is known, possibly signaling great upheaval or transformation.

The claim that Pope Francis might be the last Pope is primarily rooted in historical prophecies, theological interpretations, and contemporary analyses of the Catholic Church’s trajectory. The two most referenced sources for this idea are the Prophecy of the Popes by Saint Malachy and various eschatological interpretations from religious scholars and theorists. Below is a detailed examination of these perspectives:

1. The Prophecy of Saint Malachy

Origin and Authenticity

The Prophecy of the Popes is attributed to Saint Malachy (1094–1148), an Irish archbishop who reportedly had a vision listing 112 Popes, beginning with Pope Celestine II (elected in 1143).

The prophecy resurfaced in 1595 when it was published by a Benedictine monk, Arnold Wion, in his book Lignum Vitae.

Skeptics argue that the prophecy was likely forged in the late 16th century, particularly because the mottos describing Popes before 1595 are strikingly accurate, while those after become vague.

Interpretation of the Final Pope

Pope Francis is listed as the 112th and last Pope in the prophecy, described as Petrus Romanus (Peter the Roman). The prophecy states:

> “In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit Petrus Romanus, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations, and when these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The end.”

Some interpreters argue that “Peter the Roman” could symbolize a return to the Church’s origins or indicate major upheaval.

Pope Francis’ birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, which does not directly match the prophecy. However, he is of Italian descent (his parents were from Italy, i.e., Rome), which some believers see as fulfilling the “Roman” aspect.

2. Historical Parallels and Contemporary Challenges

Institutional Decline

The Catholic Church has faced declining influence in traditionally strong regions, with Europe seeing a sharp drop in church attendance.

Scandals, including child abuse allegations and financial corruption, have severely impacted the Church’s credibility.

Internal Church Divisions

Pope Francis has faced opposition from conservative factions within the Vatican.

Some accuse him of making radical changes, such as his stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion, interfaith dialogue, and economic policies.

Geopolitical and Global Crisis Indicators

The Vatican has been increasingly involved in global politics, including climate change discussions, economic inequality, and interfaith diplomacy.

Some theorists suggest that if the Vatican were to lose sovereignty, collapse internally, or face significant geopolitical threats, the institution could be fundamentally altered.

3. Other Apocalyptic and Eschatological Predictions

Several other religious and esoteric sources predict the decline or transformation of the Catholic Church:

The Third Secret of Fatima (1917): Some interpretations suggest it foresees a great apostasy (loss of faith) within the Church.

Biblical Interpretations: Some Protestant theologians connect the fall of Rome (Revelation 17–18) with the decline of the Vatican.

Nostradamus: Some believe his quatrains hint at a Pope overseeing a crisis that leads to drastic change.

Conclusion

While the idea of Pope Francis as the “last Pope” remains speculative, it is based on prophecies, historical analysis, and observations of modern crises within the Catholic Church. However, mainstream Catholic theology does not support this claim, and the papal succession process remains in place. If Pope Francis resigns or passes away, a conclave would elect a new Pope, continuing the tradition unless an unforeseen event disrupts the Vatican’s structure.

The idea that the current Pope, Francis, is the last Pope comes from various interpretations of historical and prophetic texts. One of the most well-known sources for this claim is the Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish bishop. This prophecy lists 112 Popes, with Pope Francis being the last one under the title Petrus Romanus (Peter the Roman). According to this prophecy, his reign would mark the end of the Church as it is known, possibly signaling great upheaval or transformation.

However, the Prophecy of the Popes is widely debated. Many scholars believe it is a forgery written in the 16th century to influence papal elections. The Catholic Church itself does not recognize it as an authentic prophecy.

Other speculative sources, including books and conspiracy theories, suggest that Pope Francis is the last Pope due to various geopolitical, theological, and even eschatological (end-times) interpretations. Some link this idea to broader discussions about global crises, church scandals, and shifting religious demographics.

While these theories are intriguing, they are not grounded in official Church doctrine or mainstream historical analysis. The Catholic Church continues its mission, and the selection of a new Pope follows a well-established process when a sitting Pope passes away or resigns.