The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday has reignited interest in the centuries-old prophecies of Nostradamus.
Did the 16th-century French astrologer accurately predicted the pontiff’s death?
As the Catholic world mourns the loss of its 266th pope, who died peacefully Easter Monday at age 88, interpretations of Nostradamus’ predictions written nearly 500 years ago have captured public attention.
Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, published his book of prophecies titled Les Prophéties in 1555. Among his many predictions, some interpreters have highlighted passages they believe relate to Pope Francis’s death.
“Through the death of a very old Pontiff / A Roman of good age will be elected / Of him it will be said that he weakens his seat / But long will he sit and in mordant activity,” reads one passage that some have claimed describes Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years.
Another passage allegedly referring to papal succession mentions “Peter the Roman” and the destruction of the “city of seven hills,” traditionally understood as Rome.
“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.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the first Latin American pope and the first from outside Europe in 1,300 years when he was elected in 2013. His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica during the official mourning period before being buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Vatican officials have not commented on the Nostradamus claims, focusing instead on preparations for the formal transition process that will culminate in the selection of the 267th pope.