Michel de Nostredame (1503-66), widely known as Nostradamus, remains a figure of fascination for his cryptic quatrains compiled in his 1555 book Les Prophéties.
Referred to as the “prophet of doom,” Nostradamus is believed by some to have foretold major world events such as the Great Fire of London and Adolf Hitler’s rise to power.
With 942 poetic verses, the collection has been interpreted over centuries to have predicted major historical events, from wars to natural disasters.
The Enigma of Nostradamus' Predictions
Nostradamus’s “dark and cryptic” language was intentional.
If he had been more explicit, not only his career, but perhaps even his life, may have been at risk.
Read also: Nostradamus: Cast and Film Analysis
This was not just a matter of self-preservation, but also a way to obscure politically explosive information.
As a system that promised to forecast plagues, natural disasters, war, and even the economy, astrology was a logical interest for Renaissance rulers.
Despite the condemnations of theologians, many popes patronised astrologers and sought their guidance.
Julius II (1443-1513) chose the start date for the construction of Saint Peter’s Basilica based on astrological counsel.
Leo X (1475-1521) founded a professorship in astrology at Rome’s first university, La Sapienza.
Read also: End Time Prophecies Analysis
Nostradamus’ Prediction: A Weakening Pope
One of the most notable prophecies attributed to Nostradamus mentions a pope who "weakens his see" after the death of an elderly pontiff.
Back in the 16th century, Nostradamus wrote, “Through the death of a very old Pontiff… a Roman of good age will be elected.
This passage has captured the attention of many since the passing of Pope Francis, particularly given his age and the struggles with his health in the last few years.
Nostradamus described this pontiff as a "very old" figure, a phrase that seems to align with the recent news of Pope Francis’s deteriorating condition, which ultimately led to his passing.
The prophecy goes on to suggest that, following the death of this pontiff, a new leader would emerge, one who would be Roman by descent.
Read also: Decoding Nostradamus
While Pope Francis was born in Argentina, his Italian heritage has led some to consider that the prophecy may refer to him in a symbolic sense.
According to Nostradamus, the successor will "weaken his seat," which has prompted some to reflect on Pope Francis’s leadership style, often characterized as progressive and at times controversial.
Of him, it will be said that he weakens his see… but long will he sit and in biting activity.
This interpretation suggests that the future of the Catholic Church may see significant shifts.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American pope.
He served as the head of the Catholic Church since 2013.
His health has been in decline for weeks, but his appearance at Easter was cause for celebration at the Vatican.
The Vatican announced the Pope’s death Monday morning.
The Fate of the Vatican
Another layer to Nostradamus’ predictions includes the arrival of a "Black Pope" and the potential downfall of the "City of the Seven Hills," a phrase commonly associated with Rome and, by extension, the Vatican.
As Pope Francis faced significant health issues, including his recent battle with pneumonia, discussions about a possible successor intensified, and Nostradamus’ predictions about turmoil within the Catholic Church gained new relevance.
The notion of a "Black Pope" has sparked significant debate.
Some believe this could be a reference to a leader from the Jesuit order, to which Pope Francis belongs.
Others argue that it symbolizes a broader transformation within the Church’s leadership, which could be marked by significant challenges and changes in direction.
This interpretation has grown stronger in light of current uncertainties surrounding the Vatican’s future.
Predictions on the next Pope
Another prophecy outlines the future of the Vatican and who will succeed the Pope.
This prediction shows his successor will face significant challenges, according to MSN.
He then added, “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.”
The “city of seven hills” is interpreted as a symbol for Rome and the Vatican.
Those who follow Nostradamus believe his book also predicted the rise of Adolf Hitler, the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.
His actual track record has been hit or miss.
Resurging Predictions Amid Pope Francis’ Passing
The timing of Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, coupled with the resurfacing of Nostradamus' grim prophecies, has led to widespread discussion.
Some astrologers and enthusiasts of Nostradamus believe that the prophecy predicting the demise of a "very old" pope has now come true.
Others point to his predictions about "Peter the Roman," a figure mentioned in Nostradamus' writings as one who will face significant tribulations while leading the Church during its final persecution.
The "City of the Seven Hills" is often seen as a symbol of Rome, and some interpretations suggest that this could indicate an impending period of turmoil for the Vatican.
While some dismiss Nostradamus' writings as too vague or symbolic to be taken seriously, the recurrence of these predictions amid Pope Francis’ death continues to spark the imagination of many.
Like all the quatrains in Nostradamus’s collection of prophecies, Les Prophéties (1555-68), this one is as enigmatic as it is flexible.
Short, sweet and decontextualised, his prophetic poems feel timeless, and it is deliciously satisfying to recognise a real-world correlation.
| Aspect of Prophecy | Nostradamus' Prediction | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Death of an Old Pope | "Through the death of a very old Pontiff…" | Refers to the passing of Pope Francis due to his advanced age and declining health. |
| Election of a Roman | "...a Roman of good age will be elected." | Suggests the next Pope will have Italian heritage, either literally or symbolically. |
| Weakening of the See | "Of him, it will be said that he weakens his see…" | Implies the new Pope will bring significant changes or face challenges to the Church's authority. |
| "Peter the Roman" | "there will sit Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations…" | Describes a future Pope who will lead the Church through a period of great difficulty and persecution. |
| City of Seven Hills | "...the city of seven hills will be destroyed..." | Symbolic reference to Rome and the Vatican facing potential turmoil or decline. |
| The Black Pope | Arrival of a "Black Pope" | Could refer to a leader from the Jesuit order or symbolize a broader transformation within the Church's leadership. |
In a period in which popes could have a decisive impact on international politics, speculation about the health of the pontiff was rampant.
Astrologers capitalised on this.
When Ludovico Sforza (1452-1508), de facto ruler of Milan, asked his astrologer to predict the death of Innocent VIII, it was nothing unusual.
The answer was that the pope would die around August 10 1492, if not sooner.
When Innocent died on July 25, Ludovico was no doubt pleased.
Some popes asked astrologers about their own deaths.
But they didn’t like it so much when others did so - especially when the forecasts were made public.
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