Pope Leo XIV was elected as the new Pope. Credit: Christopher Furlong / Getty
The Catholic Church celebrates a new pope, but a chilling 500-year-old prophecy by Nostradamus has resurfaced.
The prediction warns of upheaval during a pope’s reign elected in troubled times.
With Pope Leo XIV now in place, some believe the prophecy points to him.
The timing and cryptic verses fuel fears of scandal or dramatic change in the Church.
The Vatican’s conclave ended quickly this time — a relief, since one once dragged on for three years.
On May 7, the College of Cardinals chose Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago as the new pope.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, at age 88.
Prevost, 69, is known for moderate views and strong ties to both the U.S. and Peru.
He now takes the papal name Leo XIV.
While many celebrate the first US-born pope, a centuries-old prophecy casts a darker shadow.
In 1555, Nostradamus published Les Prophéties, a series of cryptic verses.
His writings have been linked to major global events — wars, disasters, and regime shifts.
One verse appears to speak of the papacy:
“Through the death of a very old Pontiff
A Roman of good age will be elected
Of him it will be said that he weakens his seat
But long will he sit and in mordant activity.”
Some believe this prediction matches Pope Leo XIV’s rise.
Some believe the “very old Pontiff” refers to Pope Francis, who passed last month after a decade-long reign.
As for his successor, interpretations vary, but many see Nostradamus predicting decline or crisis for the Church.
Another line adds mystery:
“A young man of dark skin with the help of the great king will deliver the purse to another of red colour.”
Some interpret this as a shift in power, possibly signaling division within the Church.
Nostradamus isn’t the only one stirring fear.
Saint Malachy’s Prophecy of the Popes also resurfaces.
Recorded in the 1500s, it claims to list popes until the world ends.
According to Malachy’s vision, Pope Francis’ death marks the beginning of the final chapter.
“In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations.
After which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed, and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End.”
Many believe “seven-hilled city” refers to Rome, and “Peter the Roman” is the last pope.
Despite the chilling parallels and poetic timing, most theologians dismiss these medieval prophecies as symbolic — not literal.
