Hazel from Milwaukee called The Patrick Madrid Show with a question that’s burning up comment sections and TikTok feeds:
“Is Pope Leo XIV really the last Pope before the end of the world?!”
Patrick’s response? Calm, clear, and soaked in spiritual common sense: Don’t freak out.
This theory comes from the prophecy of St. Malachy, a 12th-century Irish bishop. According to legend, he had a vision in Rome that revealed all future Popes, each represented by a short Latin motto—112 in total.
But further research reveals that the so-called prophecy didn’t appear until the 1590s, nearly 450 years after Malachy’s death, and the Catholic Church has never approved or validated it.
So while it’s become a popular theory, its credibility is questionable at best.
People have tried to match Popes to mottos like these:
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“Pastor et Nauta” (Shepherd and Sailor) – Pope John XXIII (he was Patriarch of Venice, the city of canals).
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“Flos Florum” (Flower of Flowers) – Pope Paul VI had lilies on his coat of arms.
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“De Medietate Lunae” (Of the Half Moon) – Pope John Paul I reigned only 33 days.
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“De Labore Solis” (Of the Labor of the Sun) – Pope John Paul II, linked to Fatima and solar phenomena.
But many of these links feel vague and retrofitted.
The last line of the prophecy mentions “Peter the Roman” shepherding the Church through tribulations, followed by the destruction of Rome and the end of days.
Some thought Pope Francis might be “Petrus Romanus.” But… now we have Pope Leo XIV. So the theory doesn’t hold up.
Patrick advised his listeners by urging them to stay calm. Don’t panic and don’t get caught up in apocalyptic rabbit holes.
The Church does not teach this prophecy as doctrine. If it sparks fear or confusion? Let it go.
Patrick’s call to action is simple and timeless:
- Keep your eyes on Christ.
- Receive the sacraments.
- Love your neighbor.
- Pray the Rosary.
- Read Scripture.
That’s how we prepare for the end—whenever it may come. “In due time, we’ll find out. Until then… be holy.”
