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“Peter the Roman, who will nourish his flock amid many tribulations, after which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the terrible Judge will judge His people. The end.”
Despite the dramatic language, many scholars have long questioned the legitimacy and authorship of the text. In particular, critics point out that the name Peter the Roman does not align with Pope Leo XIV’s given name—Robert Francis Prevost—nor does his dual nationality (American and Peruvian) match the Roman identity implied in the prophecy.
Some had speculated that Pope Francis could have fit the role, though this theory has also faced substantial criticism. As Josh Canning, a Catholic chaplain in Toronto, said back in 2013, “I don’t know how you can connect Peter the Roman with Pope Francis.”
In the absence of fire raining from the heavens or signs of global ruin, many are brushing off the warnings as sensational or symbolic at best. For now, Pope Leo XIV’s focus likely lies on spiritual leadership, unity, and global challenges—not deciphering cryptic medieval predictions.
Still, the age-old prophecy continues to capture public imagination, especially as each new papacy invites questions about faith, fate, and the future of humanity.
