Saint Malachy and his enigmatic list of popes
The prophecy of Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish bishop, remains one of the most debated. He is said to have established a series of 112 Latin mottoes, each corresponding to a pope. According to this tradition, the last pontiff would bear the symbolic name “Peter the Roman” and would reign during an era of great trials, preceding the fall of Rome.
Although this text was not published until 1595, long after Malachi’s death, some see it as a strange coincidence: Pope Francis could be the penultimate or last on this prophetic list.
Prophecies: Between Credulity and Skepticism
Should we give credence to these predictions? Most experts agree that they are more legends than historical facts. Nostradamus’s quatrains are open to all interpretations. Baba Vanga’s visions lack reliable written sources. As for Malachy’s prophecy, it is probably a late Renaissance creation.
Yet these stories continue to fascinate. Much like consulting a horoscope to find meaning in life. They offer captivating narratives, powerful symbols, and guideposts in a complex world. But it’s important to distinguish between belief and reality: these prophecies are a matter of spirituality, not science.
Staying Reasonable in the Face of Predictions
History is full of prophetic false alarms: the end of the world predicted for 1999, cosmic catastrophes, imaginary invasions… The world has always survived these apocalyptic predictions. This doesn’t mean that everything is going well, but it does remind us that these stories must be approached with caution.
Ultimately, these ancient prophecies resemble mysterious tales that stimulate the imagination. They arouse curiosity and sometimes anxiety. But in a world facing very real challenges—climate change, international tensions, social injustices—it seems wiser to remain anchored in reality. While keeping an open mind to the mysteries of existence.
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