The election of a new pope has provoked some Catholics to consult the ancient prophecies attributed to St. Malachy.
One of the most famous prophecies that people connect to him is the belief that the last pope will have the name "Petrus Romanus," or "Peter the Roman."
Where did this prophecy come from and who was St. Malachy?
St. Malachy
What is true is that St. Malachy did exist and he lived in Ireland during the 12th century. St. Bernard of Clairvaux even wrote his biography.
St. Malachy became the archbishop of Armagh in 1132 and was known for restoring discipline in the local Church. He was a holy man and well revered for his leadership in Ireland at the time.
The Catholic Encyclopedia explains how he became friends with St. Bernard,
Early in 1139 he journeyed to Rome, via Scotland, England, and France, visiting St. Bernard at Clairvaux. He petitioned Pope Innocent for palliums for the Sees of Armagh and Cashel, and was appointed legate for Ireland. On his return visit to Clairvaux he obtained five monks for a foundation in Ireland, under Christian, an Irishman, as superior: thus arose the great Abbey of Mellifont in 1142.
St. Malachy set out on a second journey to Rome in 1148, but on arriving at Clairvaux he fell sick, and died in the arms of St. Bernard, on November 2.
That certainly is a way to die, in the arms of a beloved saint!
He also reportedly had the gift of prophecy, but that is where things get murky.
Prophecy of the popes
There exists a prophecy, attributed to St. Malachy, that details a line of 112 popes. Each pope is matched with a mystical title that is supposed to be connected in some way to that pope. (Francis was the 266th pope.)
The best known part of the prophecy is that "Peter the Roman" will be the last pope, as the Catholic Encyclopedia explains:
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.
One of biggest problems with this prophecy is that it was not discovered until 1590, 400 years after St. Malachy's death.
A theory says that it was "hidden" in the Roman archives. However, one curious clue that detracts from the authenticity is the fact that the prophecies are fairly accurate until 1590, and then afterwards they are hit or miss. Some believe that a different person formulated this prophecy and connected it to St. Malachy.
Regardless of whether or not St. Malachy wrote it, the prophecy would fall under "private revelation," and Catholics are not bound to believe in it.
God is the only one who knows what will happen and who will be the last pope before the end of the world and the Second Coming. Anything that we try to predict will fall short, as our knowledge is imperfect so long as we live on this earth.
