 "Did 16th-century French astrologer Nostradamus predict the Pope’s death?")
The predictions of Michel de Nostredame, sometimes known as Nostradamus, the 16th-century French soothsayer and astrologer, are back in the spotlight.
Why now?
Because of the growing claims that he might have prophesied Pope Francis’s death and his possible successor.
The Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 after what medical professionals described as an increasingly complex health issue.
Let’s take a closer look.
The prediction
Nostradamus made several predictions on wars, natural disasters, political upheavals, and assassinations in his popular book Les Propheties, which came out in 1555.
The most recent of his enigmatic prophecies that have drawn interest involves Pope Francis' health , with many citing a line in which he appears to foretell the demise of an elderly pope.
Back in the 16th century, 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.”
The text has prompted theories regarding Pope Francis’ health crisis and the likelihood of a transition in the papacy.
Another prediction referring to “the end” was attributed to the Irish saint Malachy, a French prophet of the 12th century.
He wrote, “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.”
Some believe that this could signify the end of the world if a new pope is elected, possibly one named Peter.
The ‘prophet of doom’
Some people think that Nostradamus, who is often referred to as the “prophet of doom,” accurately predicted major historical events.
These include the Great Fire of London, the rise to power of Adolf Hitler, the September 11 attacks, the COVID-19 epidemic, and even the earthquake that struck Japan on New Year’s Day last year.
Nostradamus had predicted that a war that lasted until 2024, such as the one that is still going on in Ukraine, would conclude in 2025 when the soldiers were depleted.
“Through long war all the army exhausted, so that they do not find money for the soldiers; instead of gold or silver, they will come to coin leather, Gallic brass, and the crescent sign of the Moon,” he wrote, according to Dailymail.
According to him, when a long battle comes to a close with soldiers “exhausted” by attritional warfare, there will be a “decrease in the influence of established Western countries” and the “emergence of new world powers” in the upcoming year.
Nostradamus also predicted that in 2025, “cruel wars” will erupt in England from “her flanks,” generating “foes from within and without.”
Also read: Can Pope Francis resign due to ill health? Is there a precedent?
Pope Francis’ health condition
The Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 after what medical professionals described as an increasingly complex health issue, as per The Associated Press.
According to the Vatican, he had pneumonia in both lungs . It later led to early stages of kidney insufficiency, it added.
The Vatican’s evening update said the 88-year-old pope had had no new respiratory crises and that his blood parameters were stable. He underwent a follow-up CAT scan Tuesday evening to check the lung infection, but no results were provided.
Doctors have said Francis’ condition is touch and go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease, and that the main threat facing him is if the infection enters the bloodstream, a serious condition known as sepsis.
Pope Francis was in good spirits, was not in pain and was not receiving artificial nutrition, the Vatican said.
He has resumed work and, called the parish in Gaza in the evening, the Vatican News noted.
The statement on Saturday also said that the pontiff “continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday.”
New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, speaking from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying, “As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death,” adding that he was praying for Francis to “bounce back.”
The possible papal election
The pope’s worsening health has raised questions about the Catholic Church’s succession plan.
The only time papal power changes hands is when a pope dies or resigns.
The camerlengo or chamberlain will organise the papal conclave in the Sistine Chapel, following centuries-old traditions. The position is currently held by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the head of the Vatican’s laity office.
All voting cardinals must first take an oath of secrecy before being cut off from the outside world.
With inputs from agencies
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