Is the next pope the final one?

This weeks news of Pope Benedict’s retirement is certainly a big media event but there could be more to this story than meets the eye.

In the 12th century, Archbishop St. Malachy had a prophetic vision of the next 112 popes which has become known as the “Prophecy of the Popes“. Soon retiring Pope Benedict was number 111 on the list so the next pope will be the last one according to this prophecy. Malachy described him as:

“In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will sit Peter the Roman, who will pesture his sheep in many tribulations: and when these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the terrible judge will judge his people. The End.”

From this description, some Catholics believe this next pope is the precursor of ”many tribulations” which brings about the advancement of apocalyptic events. Many Bible believing Christians looking at the events in the world would agree with this too and this could give rise the false prophet described in the book of Revelation!

Malachy’s list seems to be very accurate but it’s important to remember nothing should be elevated to have the same weight and significance as Bible prophecy. It does make the current developments very interesting though especially when a leading is Cardinal Tarcisio Pietro Evasio Bertone, who could be called Peter the Roman as he was born in Romano, Italy. Or another on the list is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana. This will be very interesting to watch to see what happens…

Just hours after the pope announced his retirement –

Lightning Strikes St. Peter’s in Vatican City – coincidence?