The death of Pope Francis has reignited fascination with a 16th-century prophecy by Nostradamus, hinting at a turbulent new pope and a shaken Vatican. As believers and skeptics clash over its meaning, the eerie timing of his words sparks global intrigue. Let’s unravel this cryptic prediction and its ties to the Catholic Church’s future.
A Prophecy Rekindled by Grief
The funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, was a global moment of mourning, drawing over 250,000 to St. Peter’s Square. But amid the sorrow, a 16th-century voice echoed anew: Michel de Nostredame, or Nostradamus, whose cryptic quatrains from his 1555 book Les Prophéties have long fascinated the world. Following the pontiff’s death at 88 from a stroke, a specific prophecy has surged back into the spotlight, chilling believers with its apparent foresight. Nostradamus wrote of a “very old Pontiff” whose death would usher in a new leader—a “Roman of good age” who would “weaken his seat” yet rule actively for a long time.[]. source: World Info Organization 2025
I’ve always been intrigued by how ancient predictions like these resurface at pivotal moments. The timing of Francis’ passing, coupled with the Vatican’s looming conclave, feels almost scripted. Social media, especially posts on X, is abuzz with speculation, some claiming Nostradamus foresaw not just Francis’ death but a stormy papacy ahead. One quatrain in particular has fueled the fire: “The Roman pontiff will not be elected, neither near nor far will attention be paid to him. A young man of dark skin with the help of the great king will deliver the purse to another of red colour.” This cryptic verse has sparked theories about a non-European pope, possibly from Africa, and a shift in the Church’s global role.[]Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS 2025
Did You Know? Nostradamus’ prophecies are often so vague that they’re interpreted after events occur, a phenomenon called retrofitting. Yet his quatrain about a “very old Pontiff” aligns eerily with Pope Francis’ age and death.[]. source: World Info Organization 2025
Decoding Nostradamus’ Words
Nostradamus’ quatrains are notoriously ambiguous, written in Old French with metaphors that invite endless interpretation. The prophecy in question reads: “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.” Some see Francis, with his Italian heritage and progressive reforms, as the “old Pontiff,” and the “Roman” successor as a nod to a Vatican insider or someone of Italian descent. The phrase “weaken his seat” suggests controversy or a challenged papacy, stirring debate about whether the next pope will face internal strife or global upheaval.[](https://www.gbnews.com/news/world/pope-francis-death-prediction-sucession-nostradamus)
Another layer comes from Nostradamus’ mention of a “young man of dark skin” who, with a “great king,” will “deliver the purse to another of red colour.” This has led to speculation about an African cardinal, like Ghana’s Peter Turkson or Congo’s Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, becoming pope—a historic first. The “red colour” likely refers to a cardinal, as their crimson robes symbolize their role. Posts on X have amplified this, with some users pointing to Turkson or Guinea’s Robert Sarah as potential “Black Popes,” a term historically tied to the Jesuit order’s leader but now interpreted literally.[](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2541335/nostradamus-prophecy-about-popes-death-resurfaces-after-pope-francis-passes-away-at-88)[](https://wearemitu.com/wearemitu/culture/nostradamus-predictions-pope-death-successor/)
I find the “Black Pope” idea particularly compelling, not just for its dramatic flair but because Francis, the first Jesuit pope, already broke tradition. Could his successor push the Church further from its European roots? The notion of a “great king” aiding this transition is murkier—perhaps a powerful secular leader or a symbolic figure of influence. But as with all Nostradamus’ predictions, the vagueness allows for endless possibilities, which is both their allure and their flaw.
The Prophecy of the Popes: A Darker Connection
Adding fuel to the speculation is the Prophecy of the Popes, a 12th-century text attributed to Saint Malachy, which some link to Nostradamus’ visions. This manuscript lists 112 cryptic Latin phrases, each allegedly describing a pope from 1143 until the end of the Church. The final entry speaks of “Peter the Roman,” who will “feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people.” The “seven-hilled city” is widely seen as Rome, raising fears of a cataclysmic end to the Vatican.[]. source: World Info Organization 2025
Some enthusiasts argue Francis was the penultimate pope, making his successor “Peter the Roman.” Three current cardinals—Peter Turkson, Péter Erdő, and Peter Okpaleke—bear the name Peter, intensifying speculation. However, scholars like Dr. Teresa Salazar caution that Malachy’s prophecy, published in 1595, may be a forgery, and its phrases are so vague they can fit any pope. Still, posts on X claim the prophecy predicts “Judgment Day” by 2027, tying it to Nostradamus’ warnings of a troubled papacy. I’m skeptical, but the coincidence of names and timing is undeniably eerie.[]Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS 2025
A History of Prophetic Hype
Nostradamus’ track record is a mixed bag. Believers credit him with predicting Hitler’s rise, the 9/11 attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic, but critics argue these connections are retrofitted—his quatrains are vague enough to fit any major event after the fact. For instance, his line about “the great man struck down in the day by a thunderbolt” is often tied to assassinations like JFK’s, but it could apply to countless tragedies. Similarly, the “Black Pope” prophecy, tied to a “young man of dark skin,” has been debated since Francis’ health declined earlier in 2025, with some seeing it as a metaphor for Jesuit influence rather than a literal African pope.[]Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS 2025
I’ve noticed how prophecies gain traction during uncertainty—like now, with the conclave set to begin around May 5 or 6. The Catholic Church faces challenges: declining European influence, growing African and Asian congregations, and debates over progressive versus traditionalist paths. Nostradamus’ mention of a “weakened seat” and Malachy’s “tribulations” tap into these anxieties, making their words feel prescient. But as a historian once told me, humans love finding patterns, even where none exist.
Why the Fascination Persists
The resurgence of Nostradamus’ prophecy reflects a deeper human need for meaning in chaotic times. Pope Francis’ death, after a papacy marked by compassion and controversy, leaves the Church at a crossroads. His reforms—embracing marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community and prioritizing social justice—shifted the Vatican’s center, but not without pushback. The next pope could either continue this legacy or pivot to tradition, and Nostradamus’ vague warnings of “scandal” and “turmoil” fuel speculation about what’s next.[]. source: World Info Organization 2025
Social media amplifies this. X posts highlight Nostradamus’ “Black Pope” as a potential African leader, with names like Cardinal Sarah or Turkson trending. Others tie his prophecies to global crises, like wars or climate disasters, which he also predicted for 2025. Yet, as Dr. Salazar notes, these interpretations often reflect cultural anxieties, especially in Latin America, where Francis’ progressive legacy resonates deeply. For Latino Catholics, the idea of a “Black Pope” isn’t just prophetic—it’s a hope for continued representation.[]Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS 2025
Looking Ahead: Prophecy or Coincidence?
As the Vatican prepares for the conclave, the world watches closely. Will the next pope be a “young man of dark skin,” as Nostradamus suggested, or a “Peter the Roman” heralding Malachy’s end times? Candidates like Italy’s Matteo Zuppi, the Philippines’ Luis Tagle, or Hungary’s Péter Erdő are among the frontrunners, each with distinct visions. The “Black Pope” speculation points to African cardinals, with 20% of Catholics now living in Africa, but the term’s Jesuit roots complicate literal readings.[]Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS 2025
I lean toward skepticism—Nostradamus’ quatrains are poetic puzzles, not crystal balls. His “City of Seven Hills” and “weakened seat” could describe any papal transition, and Malachy’s prophecy, possibly a 16th-century fabrication, thrives on ambiguity. Yet, the allure of these predictions lies in their ability to spark wonder and debate. Whether the next pope brings scandal, change, or stability, the fascination with Nostradamus shows how we grapple with an uncertain future, seeking ancient wisdom to light the way.
