Speculation for a successor to Pope Francis begins, along with a mysterious prophecy
In this DML Report…
Pope Francis, aged 88, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM local time, following a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia, the Vatican confirmed. The Argentine-born pontiff, the first Latin American pope, had made a public appearance in St. Peter’s Square the previous day, delivering his Easter “Urbi et Orbi” benediction to thousands of worshippers. His death has triggered the Vatican’s papal succession process, with the conclave to elect a new pope set to begin no earlier than 15 days after his passing. Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica during a nine-day mourning period, and he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, breaking from the tradition of burial beneath St. Peter’s.
Nostradamus’ 1555 book, Les Prophéties, has drawn attention for a prediction about the death of a “very old Pontiff,” interpreted by some as referring to Pope Francis. The prophecy states, “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 seat, but long will he sit and in mordant activity.” Another passage mentions a “young man of dark skin” delivering a “purse to another of red colour,” hinting at a possible successor. Additionally, a 12th-century prophecy attributed to Saint Malachy, found in the Vatican archives, describes Francis as the 109th and final pope, predicting “Peter the Roman” will lead amid tribulations, followed by the destruction of Rome and Judgment Day. The Vatican does not authenticate such prophecies, and scholars note their vague, interpretive nature.
(see more below)
The conclave to select Francis’ successor will involve 138 cardinals under 80, voting in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican chamberlain, has assumed interim leadership. Francis’ death has sparked global reactions, with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressing sorrow and former U.S. President Barack Obama calling him a “rare leader.” The pontiff’s final act included a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Rome on Easter Sunday. Speculation about the next pope’s identity and the Catholic Church’s future direction is growing, particularly among traditionalists advocating for a conservative successor, though no specific candidates have been named.