Yesterday saw Pope Benedict XVI formally step down. Now the Cardinals will begin the process, which has been carried out many times over the centuries to select the next Pope. However, an ancient papal prophecy suggests that the next Pope could be the last Pope.
St Malachy was a 12th century Irish Archbishop. He prophesied that there would be 112 more Popes, before Judgement Day. In his prophecy he gave a short cryptic verse about each Pope. Many of these verses have come to pass with startling accuracy. Pope Benedict XVI would be Pope 111 in the prophecy. Making the next Pope 112.
The prophecy for this final Pope is:
In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit … Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations: and when these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the terrible judge will judge his people. The End.