Following Pope Francis’s emotional farewell, an old prophecy by Nostradamus warning of a “Black Pope” and the end of the world has resurfaced, sparking widespread speculation and concern.
The world was shaken by the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. Known for his humility and dedication to the poor, Pope Francis left a profound legacy. His funeral, held today, Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square, reflected his simple and compassionate life.
More than 200,000 mourners gathered, including religious leaders, dignitaries, and faithful followers from around the globe. The ceremony, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, began at 10:00 a.m. and continued until 2:00 p.m. In a final act of humility, Pope Francis will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
His plain wooden coffin was adorned only with an open Gospel. After the liturgy, crowds paid their final respects as the popemobile carried the casket through Rome. His tomb is marked simply with his pectoral cross and the word “Franciscus.”
Nostradamus’s Predictions Spark Fresh Concern
As news of the funeral spread, ancient prophecies began circulating once again on social media. Nostradamus’s Les Prophéties, first published in 1555, contains 942 cryptic quatrains that have been linked, rightly or wrongly, to numerous historical events. His writings, often vague and symbolic, are frequently reinterpreted during major world events.
One particular prophecy has drawn attention: the arrival of a “Black Pope” preceding the apocalypse. According to some interpretations, the sequence involves three pontiffs: a foreigner (Benedict XVI), an elderly pope (Francis), and finally, a dark-skinned pope heralding the end times.
One often-cited quatrain reads, “The Roman pontiff will not be elected, neither near nor far will he be heeded.” It continues, “A young man with dark skin, with the aid of a great king, will hand the purse to one of red color.” This imagery has fueled speculation linking Pope Francis’s death to end-of-world prophecies.
Interpretations vary: some expect the literal election of a black pope, while others suggest “Black Pope” refers symbolically to the Jesuit order, known for their black cassocks, an order Pope Francis himself belonged to. There are also ominous predictions about the destruction of Rome, the famed “City of Seven Hills.”
Was Pope Francis the Last Pope?
Some believe Francis may have been the final pontiff. They cite a mysterious Vatican document allegedly stating that only the phrase “Final Judgment” would remain after his passing. Saint Malachy’s prophecy, predicting a radical transformation of the Church, supports this theory.
Certain changes introduced by Pope Francis, referring to himself as the “Bishop of Rome” and signing documents in Italian rather than Latin, are viewed by some as signals of this predicted shift. Additionally, a painting in the Basilica of St. Paul suggests that only one pope would follow Francis.
Among the potential successors are African cardinals Robert Sarah of Guinea and Peter Turkson of Ghana. If either were elected, some would see it as literal fulfillment of the “Black Pope” prophecy, further fueling fears of approaching global upheaval.
