A medieval prophecy hidden in the Vatican archives claims to predict the exact year of ‘Judgment Day’—and it’s just two years away. According to Catholic.com, the “Prophecy of the Popes,” written in the 12th century by Irish bishop Saint Malachy, outlines 112 popes from Celestine II in 1143 to Pope Francis today. The prophecy states that after Pope Francis, the Church will enter its final days.
Saint Malachy’s book, discovered in 1590, contains cryptic Latin phrases describing each pope. The final passage warns: “In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End.” This has fueled speculation that the next pope, possibly named Peter, will oversee the Church’s last days.

While some believe the prophecy has accurately predicted past popes, skeptics argue it is a 16th-century forgery. The Catholic Church dismisses it, stating that while some predictions seem accurate, “there have been many more misses.” Whether prophecy or myth, its eerie claims continue to spark debate.