The idea that the current Pope, Francis, is the last Pope comes from various interpretations of historical and prophetic texts. One of the most well-known sources for this claim is the Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish bishop. This prophecy lists 112 Popes, with Pope Francis being the last one under the title Petrus Romanus (Peter the Roman). According to this prophecy, his reign would mark the end of the Church as it is known, possibly signaling great upheaval or transformation.
However, the Prophecy of the Popes is widely debated. Many scholars believe it is a forgery written in the 16th century to influence papal elections. The Catholic Church itself does not recognize it as an authentic prophecy.
Other speculative sources, including books and conspiracy theories, suggest that Pope Francis is the last Pope due to various geopolitical, theological, and even eschatological (end-times) interpretations. Some link this idea to broader discussions about global crises, church scandals, and shifting religious demographics.
While these theories are intriguing, they are not grounded in official Church doctrine or mainstream historical analysis. The Catholic Church continues its mission, and the selection of a new Pope follows a well-established process when a sitting Pope passes away or resigns.
