The mystery grows around the future of the Church: what do the ancient prophecies say?
A thrill went through the networks on Easter Monday. The announcement of the death of Pope Francis on 21 April immediately awakened the imaginations. And as often at the moment, old prophecies resurface, stirring up both hopes and deepest fears. Nostradamus, Baba Vanga, St. Malachy … Three names resurface in an attempt to shed light on the uncertain future of the Church, and perhaps even the world.
Nostradamus and the legend of the “Black Pope”
It is difficult not to mention the famous French seer of the 16th century when a major event shakes the world. According to some enthusiasts, Nostradamus predicted the death of an “old pope,” followed by the arrival of a mysterious “black pope.” This term, far from being neutral, is interpreted in two ways.
For some, he would be a pope of African descent, a providential man capable of guiding humanity through dark times. A scenario reinforced by the presence of several African candidates among the favourites to succeed Francis, such as Cardinal Guinean Robert Sarah and Ghanaian Peter Turkson.
For others, this term would refer to Pope Francis himself. Indeed, the “black pope” is also the nickname given to the Superior General of the Jesuits – to which Francis belongs – because of his discreet influence and the black color of his cassock. Prophecy would therefore be symbolic, playing on titles and traditions.
Baba Vanga and the disasters of 2025
Known for her enigmatic and spectacular visions, Baba Vanga, a Bulgarian psychic dying in 1996, is said to have also mentioned the year 2025 as an apocalyptic turning point. According to his oral accounts, this year would mark the beginning of the “end of time”.
Solar flares, planetary conflicts, climate change… versions diverge, but all converge on the same observation: something major would happen. Predictions that, while impossible to verify, fuel the collective imagination, especially in times of uncertainty.
Saint Malachi: the prophecy of the popes
Finally, it is impossible to miss St. Malachy, Irish bishop of the 12th century. He is said to have written a prophetic list of 112 Latin currencies, each corresponding to a pope. According to this prophecy, the last pope would bear the symbolic name “Peter the Roman” and would live an era of great tribulations, before the destruction of Rome, the “city to the seven hills”.
The prophecy was published in 1595, long after Malace’s death, which fuels doubts about its authenticity. Yet some see it as a troubling coincidence: Francis would be the last or penultimate pope on this list.
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