Nostradamus made an eerie prediction about The Pope. Credit: Sean Gallup / Getty
The world-renowned French astrologer and seer Michel de Nostredame – better known as Nostradamus – has long been credited with predicting major world events.
From the Great Fire of London to Adolf Hitler’s rise, to the 9/11 attacks, and even the 2020 pandemic — many of his believers claim his cryptic writings have foretold history’s most shocking moments.
Now, with the Pope’s health in a “critical” state, speculation is mounting that the famed astrologer may have even predicted the current crisis in the Vatican and the identity of the Pope’s successor.
Nostradamus is believed by some to have predicted major world events. Credit: Apic / Getty
In his 1555 book Les Prophéties, Nostradamus delivered startling predictions of wars, plagues, and political assassinations – painting a grim picture of the future.
Now, one of his latest cryptic and often-debated prophecies has resurfaced, with some linking it to the 88-year-old’s current “critical” condition.
“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 see… but long will he sit and in biting activity,” he reportedly wrote, cited by the New York Post.
He then added another ominous passage: “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.”
Credit: Vatican Pool / Getty
The Pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after struggling to breathe and was subsequently diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection, pneumonia in both lungs and mild kidney failure.
The Vatican confirmed that his condition remains serious, but recently shared that some lab tests have indicated “a slight improvement,” per The Guardian.
Despite his fragile state, Pope Francis was said to be in good spirits, had managed to complete some work from his hospital room, and even made his regular call to the Holy Family Church in Gaza – a routine he has maintained since October 9, 2023.
However, his overall prognosis remained uncertain. Medical experts have expressed concern about his instability, given his age, frailty, and pre-existing lung disease.
In New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan acknowledged the gravity of the situation, telling his congregation: “As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death.”
Dolan added that he was hopeful Francis would “bounce back,” but as the Pope’s condition worsens, discussions about his successor are gaining urgency.
People have gathered in Buenos Aires, Argentina to pray for Pope Francis. Credit: John Moore / Getty
Not everyone is convinced of Nostradamus’ writings. Critics point out that predicting the death of an elderly Pope and the election of another Roman Pontiff isn’t exactly groundbreaking. After all, the papacy has followed this cycle for centuries.
Still, for those who believe in the seer’s prophecies, the timing of these ancient predictions with Pope Francis’ current health struggles is hard to ignore.
