Did Nostradamus predict the death of Pope Francis? Prophecy of 'old pontiff' goes viral

The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has reverberated across the globe, drawing solemn reflection from the worldwide Catholic community and prompting fresh scrutiny of centuries-old prophecies. While tributes pour in for the late pontiff’s years of spiritual leadership and social advocacy, an unexpected source of public curiosity has emerged: the writings of the 16th-century French astrologer Nostradamus. Known for his cryptic quatrains and centuries-spanning predictions, Nostradamus has once again entered modern discourse due to apparent correlations between his verses and current events unfolding within the Vatican.

Scholars and prophecy enthusiasts are revisiting one particular set of predictions believed to reference the death of an elderly pope, a turbulent shift in Church leadership, and a weakened papal seat. While interpretations remain diverse and often controversial, the alignment of certain elements has reignited interest in the possibility that Nostradamus foresaw the present moment.


Nostradamus prediction of a ‘Very Old Pope’ and a ‘Weakened Seat’

One quatrain that has resurfaced in the wake of Pope Francis’s death speaks of a “very old pontiff” whose death is followed by instability in the Church:

“In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church,
There will sit Peter the Roman,
Who will nourish the sheep in many tribulations;
When they are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed.”

Though this specific passage is sometimes mistakenly attributed to Nostradamus (it originates from the Prophecy of the Popes by Saint Malachy), its themes mirror those found in Nostradamus’ own verses — namely, a weakened papal authority, conflict within Rome, and significant upheaval.

Nostradamus’s own writings include the phrase “he will weaken his see,” interpreted by some as referring to a successor whose reign diminishes the traditional strength or unity of the papal office. Given the controversies that occasionally surrounded Pope Francis’s progressive stances, some believe this may symbolically refer to his leadership or its aftermath.


Pope Francis’s death revives bebate over ‘Black Pope’ prophecies

A particularly provocative term that has drawn interest is the “Black Pope.” This phrase is traditionally used to describe the Superior General of the Society of Jesus — the Jesuit order — because of the black robes worn by its members. Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, raising further speculation among those interpreting Nostradamus’s work.

While some see the phrase as denoting a literal black-robed pope, others interpret it metaphorically — possibly referring to a period of hidden or unexpected power influencing the Church. In the wake of Pope Francis’s death, speculation about his successor and the continuation of Jesuit influence has intensified.


The ‘City of Seven Hills’ and the fate of Rome

Another frequent element in Nostradamus’s prophecies is the ‘City of Seven Hills’, widely believed to represent Rome. In some interpretations, the city is described as facing destruction or betrayal from within, often during times of ecclesiastical crisis.

The death of a popular and influential pope, combined with uncertainties about the next pontiff’s ideological direction, has brought new attention to the stability of the Vatican. As the global Church prepares for its next leader, concerns about doctrinal schisms, declining European congregations, and mounting global challenges could be viewed through the lens of these centuries-old predictions.


Interpretations and public reaction

Although many historians and theologians caution against over-reading symbolic texts like those of Nostradamus, his prophecies continue to fascinate a wide audience — particularly during periods of global uncertainty or significant religious change.

Social media platforms and news outlets have seen renewed interest in Nostradamus-related content since the pope’s death. Hashtags referencing both the prophecy and the Vatican have trended intermittently, with users debating the legitimacy of the claims.

Notably, some astrologers and prophecy scholars have pointed out that events like the passing of a pope often prompt retroactive connections to older texts, rather than definitive forecasts.


Pope Francis: Legacy and final years

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. As the first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope, his election was historic in multiple respects. Over his decade-long papacy, Francis emphasized themes of compassion, social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue.

In his later years, Pope Francis faced a range of health issues. He underwent colon surgery in 2021, suffered from recurring knee problems, and was hospitalized with pneumonia in early 2024. Despite these challenges, he remained active, often appearing in public with the aid of a wheelchair or cane. His commitment to the role until his final days echoed his earlier statements that he would resign only if physically or mentally incapacitated.
His death on Easter Monday in 2025 was met with a global outpouring of grief and prayer. Vatican officials have begun preparations for the conclave to select his successor amid rising speculation about the Church's future direction.


Nostradamus' predictions: A brief overview

Michel de Nostredame, commonly known as Nostradamus, published "Les Prophéties" in 1555. This collection of nearly 1,000 quatrains is famed for its symbolic language, metaphorical allusions, and alleged predictive power. His verses have been linked to events ranging from the rise of Napoleon to the attacks on September 11.
Critics argue that his language is too ambiguous for meaningful interpretation, while others suggest that his writings contain coded insights into world-changing events. Among the many subjects Nostradamus touched upon was the Catholic Church and its leadership — particularly in times of upheaval.