The “Prophecy of the Popes” – Could This Be One of The Most Significant End-Times Prophecies Fulfilled…The False Prophet?

For centuries, many have been fascinated by a mysterious prediction known as The Prophecy of the Popes—a list of 112 short Latin phrases supposedly describing each pope from Celestine II (elected in 1143) to a final pope who would preside during great tribulation. But is this prophecy true? And could it point to our generation as the one witnessing the final chapters of history?

What Is the Prophecy of the Popes?

Attributed to 12th-century Irish Archbishop Saint Malachy, this prophecy claims to list 112 future popes, each described by a cryptic Latin phrase. The final entry reads:

“In persecutione extrema S.R.E. sedebit Petrus Romanus…”
“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.”

It’s a chilling vision, echoing biblical themes of persecution, apostasy, and divine judgment.

A Biblical Lens: What Does God Say?

Though intriguing, this prophecy is not Scripture. As believers, we must test all things against the Bible. Still, if such a prophecy aligns with biblical end-time descriptions, it may serve as a wake-up call.

Scripture warns of end-time religious deception:

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first…”
– 2 Thessalonians 2:3

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
– 2 Timothy 3:5

Revelation 17 describes a harlot seated on a beast, symbolic of a false religious system centered in the city of seven hills—widely interpreted as Rome (Revelation 17:9).

Who Is ‘Peter the Roman’?

This final pope figure, Peter the Roman, may symbolize a return to the first pope, the Apostle Peter—but possibly in counterfeit form. Rather than humility and faith, this figure may represent religious authority gone astray during the final tribulation.

He could align with the False Prophet described in Revelation 13—a lamb-like figure who speaks like a dragon, performing miracles and leading the world to worship the Antichrist.

“He doeth great wonders… and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles…”
– Revelation 13:13-14 (KJV)

A New Pope Rises – Could He Be the Final One?

With the death of Pope Francis, the world turns to the Vatican once again. Could the next pope be the 112th and final one in the prophecy? Symbolism, rather than literal names, may be key. “Peter the Roman” could echo a return to the roots of papal authority while ushering in global religious deception.

We are living in perilous times:

• Global conflict and unrest
• A shift toward digital economies
• Increasing calls for religious unity
• Growing pressure for a one-world religion

A pope who promotes interfaith peace while compromising truth could be a key end-time player.

What We Must Watch For

As this new papacy begins, remain vigilant:

• Miracles or signs that captivate the masses
• Doctrine changes promoting inclusivity over biblical truth
• Partnerships with global leaders calling for allegiance
• Calls for worship masked as spiritual unity

Revelation warns of a deceptive religious leader who will seem Christ-like but speak with the voice of the dragon (Revelation 13:11). He will enforce—not merely suggest—global worship of the Beast.

The Destruction of Rome – A Fulfilled Prophecy?

Revelation 17 describes Mystery Babylon, the great harlot, seated on seven hills. Rome has long been associated with this image.

“The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.”
(Revelation 17:9)

She is adorned in purple and scarlet (papal colors), holds a golden cup (as in the Eucharist), and is drunk with the blood of the saints. In the end, this woman—symbolic of a corrupt religious system—is destroyed by the very beast she rides (Revelation 17:16-17).

The prophecy of Peter the Roman ends with the same event: the destruction of the city of seven hills.

Coincidence? Or confirmation?

The Antichrist and the False Prophet – A Deadly Alliance

Revelation 13 outlines two beasts:

1. The Antichrist – a global political leader (Revelation 13:1-7)
2. The False Prophet – a religious leader who promotes worship of the first (Revelation 13:11-17)

Together, they will:

• Blaspheme God and persecute believers
• Perform signs and wonders
• Enforce the mark of the beast, tying worship to economic survival

“…he causeth all… to receive a mark… that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark…”
– Revelation 13:16-17 (KJV)

Ultimately, both will be judged:

“These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
– Revelation 19:20 (KJV)

Final Thoughts: Stand Ready

Whether or not Saint Malachy’s prophecy is divinely inspired, the signs of the times are undeniable. The world may crown a new pope—but Jesus Christ alone wears the crown of righteousness.

Now is the time to:

• Turn from any false religious teachings and follow Jesus Christ
• Stay rooted in God’s Word
• Watch and pray
• Share the Gospel with urgency

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
– Matthew 25:13 (KJV)

The midnight cry is sounding. The Bridegroom is near. Do your lamps have sufficient oil?

(If you would like to read more of River Wilde’s “End-Times writings”, subscribe to his blog at www.riverwilde.blog)