A haunting prediction by Nostradamus has resurfaced following the death of Pope Francis.
As previously reported, the 88-year-old Pontiff sadly passed away on Monday (April 22), after suffering a cerebral stroke that led to irreversible heart failure.
The devastating news was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who said on Monday: "At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church."
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised," he continued. "With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Francis’ Easter Sunday appearance marked his last public appearance, just weeks after a grueling 38-day hospital stay for bronchitis and double pneumonia.
Despite his visibly declining health, he greeted the crowd in Vatican City with smiles, blessings, and an emotional message: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
Though he had delegated the Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the Pope emerged onto the loggia balcony to deliver blessings in Latin. A military band played the Holy See anthem as cheers rose from the crowd.
In the wake of Pope Francis' passing, a centuries-old prophecy has resurfaced - one that believers claim eerily foreshadowed these events.
In his 1555 work Les Prophéties, French astrologer Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, wrote: “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 see… but long will he sit and in biting activity," cited by the New York Post.
In another chilling line cited by believers, he warned: “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.”
While critics dismiss these writings as overly vague, noting that the papal succession has followed similar patterns for centuries, the timing has prompted renewed public interest.
The death of Pope Francis has plunged the global Catholic community into mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the world.
US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!” King Charles said he was “deeply saddened,” adding: “His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith.”
Interfaith leaders also expressed their condolences. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called it a time of “great sadness,” and offered prayers for Catholics around the world. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell remembered Pope Francis as “witty, lively, good to be with.”
The Pope’s body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, where the public will be allowed to pay their respects.