A legend involving an ancient doomsday prophesy could be interpreted to say Pope Francis' death marked the last head of the Catholic Church – but don't get too worried.
The legend traces back to a 12th-century Irish saint (St. Malachy) and a long list of foretold popes, beginning in the 1100s and ending after 112 popes. Experts say there there are lots of flaws in the prediction.
St. Malachy has received renewed attention because Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88, could mark the 112th pope on that list. That means, depending on how the list is interpreted, this could be the first time in nearly 1,000 years there is no new pope foretold by St. Malachy.
"The prophecies are a forgery," said Fr. James Weiss, an Episcopal priest and professor of church history at Boston College.
Problems with St. Malachy legend arise quickly
The text in question is a list of 112 phrases said to be associated with popes, beginning with Celestine II, who was named pope in 1143, Weiss said. The popes are not specifically named. Examples of the phrases include "swift bear" and "rose of Umbria."
From Malachy's time through the late 16th century when historians largely believe the list was actually written, the descriptions are quite accurate, Weiss said. After that, however, it's "hit or miss," with some examples appearing to line up to real popes and others that are much more of a stretch.
The 112th pope was described as "Peter the Roman." The prophecy goes on in a short paragraph to describe what some interpret to be the end of the world, or "second coming" of Jesus. The paragraph describes the destruction of the "city of seven hills" (presumably Rome) and a "dreadful judge." Weiss said the common doomsday interpretation of the paragraph could be entirely off; it could refer to a non-apocalyptic event and perhaps judgement by a nation's leader.
Is the prophecy real?
John Hogue, who runs a blog on prophecies and sells "private readings," appeared in the History Channel documentary as a believer in the prediction, calling it highly accurate.
In general, historical and religious scholars don't put much stock in it.
The time between Malachy's life and the first historical mention of the prophecy is the first red flag in its authenticity, said Joëlle Rollo-Koster, medieval history professor at the University of Rhode Island and lead editor of "The Cambridge History of the Papacy."
The real Malachy knew the saint Bernard of Clairvaux, an "intellectual giant of the 12th century" and a credible witness, Rollo-Koster said. Bernard admired Malachy so much that he wrote a biography about him, but never mentioned any prophecy.
"As an historian, I am hardcore on the evidence, and that, for me, is the ultimate proof that Malachy ... did not utter prophecies or write prophecies," she said.
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