A recent declaration by Pope Leo XIV has stirred renewed interest in the centuries-old Prophecy of the Popes, a controversial and mysterious list of papal predictions attributed to 12th-century Irish bishop St. Malachy.
The final entry of the prophecy reads, “In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations. And when these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The end.”
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Until now, skeptics like Josh Peck of Daily Renegade expressed doubts that Pope Leo XIV had any notable connection to this final line. “Besides the fact that he’s pope… you could say Peter about any pope,” Peck noted. “So what about Peter the Roman specifically ties to this pope? Why this pope and no other pope?”
But that skepticism may be shifting.
According to a report from Catholic News Agency, during a ceremonial visit with Rome’s mayor, Pope Leo declared, “Today I can say that through you and with you I am Roman.” That statement has ignited speculation that Leo may fit the final prophetic description more closely than any of his predecessors.
Peck emphasized the significance: “He’s calling himself Roman. The mayor is saying that the city of Rome is his… This kind of meeting hasn’t even happened since 1978.”
During his remarks, Pope Leo also stated, “Shortly after the election, I told the brothers and sisters gathered in St. Peter’s Square, that I am with them a Christian, and for them a bishop. Today, in a special way, I can say that through you and with you, I am Roman.”
In addition to that striking declaration, Pope Leo emphasized his role as a shepherd and his commitment to service: “I feel the serious yet passionate responsibility to serve all its members with the faith of the people of God and the common good of society foremost in my heart.”
That language bears a resemblance to the prophecy’s reference to Peter the Roman pasturing his sheep in tribulation.
Still, Peck remains cautious. “I’m waiting and seeing what happens with it… this is very, very, very interesting with the whole prophecy.” While the pope’s name is not Peter—something some say is essential—Peck notes others argue all popes are successors of Peter and thus spiritually bear the name.
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Whether this marks the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecy—or simply another papal formality—remains to be seen. But the symbolism and timing are hard to ignore.
“Could this be enough that makes Pope Leo a good candidate for Peter the Roman… or is this just too flimsy?” Peck asked his viewers.
Only time will tell whether this moment marks the start of a prophetic fulfillment, or just another chapter in the long and often mysterious history of the Catholic Church.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
