Nostradamus and the Pope: Did the 16th-Century Astrologer Foresee Pope’s Death?

The 16th-century French astrologer Michel de Nostredame, popularly known as Nostradamus, has seen his prophecies come back into the limelight with mounting speculation regarding Pope Francis’ poor health and the possibility of a fresh papal election.

The Pope, who was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, is battling severe health issues, and this has sparked increasing debate about what lies ahead for the Catholic Church.

Nostradamus’ Prophecy and the Future of the Papacy

Nostradamus, who wrote cryptic prophecies in his 1555 book Les Propheties, has been attributed with predicting significant global events. One of the passages has been highlighted, appearing to refer to the death of an old pontiff and the ascension of a successor.

“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,” Nostradamus penned.

The passage has fueled speculation that Pope Francis‘ ongoing health struggle may result in a leadership change within the Vatican.

Also, some have referred to the works of 12th-century Irish saint Malachy, who foretold the last Pope as Peter the Roman. He penned, “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.”

Speculation is rising that if a new Pope by the name of Peter is to be elected, it may represent a significant change in the Catholic Church or perhaps the end of an era.

Nostradamus’ Other Prophecies for 2025

Nostradamus is credited with prophecies about major world events, ranging from the Great London Fire to the ascendancy of Adolf Hitler, the September 11 attacks, and the COVID-19 outbreak. His texts have also been attributed to contemporary geopolitical events, such as the war in Ukraine.

As reported by Daily Mail, Nostradamus predicted a war that would last until 2024 and end in 2025 because the military resources were exhausted. He penned, “Through long war all the army exhausted, so that they do not find money for the soldiers; instead of gold or silver, they will come to coin leather, Gallic brass, and the crescent sign of the Moon.”

This is why some speculated that 2025 might spell the end of Western dominance and the rise of new world powers. Nostradamus foretold crisis in England also, stating that “cruel wars” would break out from “her flanks” and cause infighting and warfare from within as well as externally. Whether his prophecies are true remains to be established, but still, they incite speculation.

Pope Francis’ Health Condition and Vatican’s Response

Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital following deteriorating health complications. The Vatican says he developed pneumonia in both lungs and subsequently developed early-stage kidney insufficiency. His health continues to be precarious, with doctors warning of possible complications such as sepsis.

The Vatican’s latest reports state that Pope Francis is still awake and in stable health but is experiencing increased pain. He has returned to undertaking limited work and even made a phone call to a parish in Gaza. But his delicate state has caused concern among Catholic world leaders.

New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan confirmed the gravity of the Pope’s health, stating, “As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death,” adding that he was praying for Francis to “bounce back.”

The Possibility of a Papal Election

With the poor health of Pope Francis, speculations over the Catholic Church succession plan increased. The seat of the papacy only goes by a transfer when a Pope passes away or resigns. Should Pope Francis resign or pass on, then there would follow stringent centuries-long customs in choosing a new Pope.

The task of staging the papal conclave would be left to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is the present Camerlengo. The conclave, conducted in the Sistine Chapel, would see participating cardinals swearing an oath of secrecy and being entirely cut off from the rest of the world.

Though there are no official succession strategies on the books, Pope Francis’ poor health has increased talk about the prospects of the future of the leadership at the Vatican. According to Nostradamus’ vision, if he is to be believed, then the Catholic Church might be looking at a monumental shift.