This is the prophecy of Nostradamus, the 16th-century French astrologer, which is believed to relate to the death of Pope Francis and his successor.
The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has not only shocked the Catholic world but also reignited ancient apocalyptic prophecies attributed to Nostradamus, the 16th-century French astrologer.
According to interpretations of his quatrains, the death of an elderly pontiff would signal the beginning of an era of global chaos and the eventual “final judgment.”
One of the most frequently cited quatrains describes the arrival of a ‘black pope’ following the death of a venerable religious leader. Some experts link this figure to Pope Francis, who was the first Jesuit pope — a member of an order traditionally nicknamed “The Black Company” due to their dark robes.
Others speculate the term may refer to a future pope of African descent, such as Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana or Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, whose possible rise would further reinforce the prophetic narrative.
Image: Cardinals Peter Turkson of Ghana and Robert Sarah of Guinea. Design: tunota.com
Other prophecies
These predictions align with other theories, such as that of Saint Malachy, who compiled a list of popes that would end with “Petrus Romanus,” under whose leadership the collapse of the Church and the world would take place.
In the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a fresco shows portraits of all the popes up to Francis, with space left for only one more — something many interpret as a symbol that his successor might be the last.
Although these prophecies lack scientific basis, their coincidences continue to fuel public curiosity and spiritual debate.
To some, they are nothing more than vague interpretations; to others, they are signs that call for reflection in uncertain times.
Death of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina — the first Latin American pontiff — died this Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican officially announced.
The Argentine Jesuit, leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, had spent 38 days hospitalized due to severe pneumonia. After being discharged on March 23, he appeared weakened, although he did participate in Easter Sunday celebrations.
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