# Prophecy of the Popes

> series of 112 short, cryptic phrases in Latin which purport to predict the Roman Catholic popes

**Wikidata**: [Q1090343](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1090343)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecy_of_the_Popes)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/prophecy-of-the-popes

## Summary
The Prophecy of the Popes is a series of 112 cryptic Latin phrases attributed to Saint Malachy, purportedly predicting the Roman Catholic popes from the 12th century onward. First published in 1595 by Benedictine historian Arnold Wion, its authenticity and interpretations remain debated. It is classified as a literary work, prophecy, and pseudepigraph, with scholarly discussions about its origins and validity.

## Key Facts
- **Publication Date**: 1595 (published by Arnold Wion in *Lignum Vitae*).
- **Number of Prophecies**: 112 short phrases.
- **Attribution**: Traditionally credited to Saint Malachy (c. 1139), though likely compiled later.
- **Language**: Written in Latin.
- **Associated Entities**: 
  - **Literary Work**: Classified as a written work of art.
  - **Prophecy**: Purportedly foretells papal succession.
  - **Pseudepigraph**: Attributed to Malachy but authorship disputed.
  - **Vaticinium ex Eventu**: Some scholars argue it was written after described events.
- **Identifiers**:
  - **Wikidata ID**: Q7725634.
  - **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11c71cnldv.
  - **Image**: "Arnold Wion - Lignum Vitae - 1595 - p311 Part.jpg".
  - **Other IDs**: P227 (4200222-9), P691 (aun2006372381), P3219 (prophetie-dite-de-saint-malachie).
- **Publisher**: Congregatio Sancti Benedicti (Wion’s affiliation).
- **Sitelink Count**: 33 Wikipedia language entries.
- **Genres**: Religious prophecy, cryptic literature (Q214267, Q827597).
- **Related Concepts**: Part of *Q21481747* (prophecies in Christianity).

## FAQs
**What is the Prophecy of the Popes?**  
It is a collection of 112 Latin phrases attributed to Saint Malachy, purportedly predicting the Roman Catholic popes from the 12th century onward. Published in 1595 by Arnold Wion, its authenticity and meaning remain contentious.

**Who wrote the Prophecy of the Popes?**  
Traditionally attributed to Saint Malachy (c. 1139), but modern scholars argue it was likely compiled in the 16th century, making it a pseudepigraph (falsely attributed work).

**How many popes does it supposedly predict?**  
The 112 phrases are interpreted as predictions for 112 popes, though the final entry (*In persecutione extrema S.R.E. sedebit* – "In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church, he will sit") is often linked to the papacy’s end.

**Is the prophecy considered genuine?**  
Most scholars dismiss its authenticity, citing evidence of *vaticinium ex eventu* (prophecies written after the events they describe). Its publication in 1595, centuries after Malachy’s death, fuels skepticism.

**What is its connection to literature and religion?**  
As a literary work, it blends religious prophecy with cryptic symbolism. It is studied in both literary and theological contexts, reflecting medieval and early modern traditions of apocalyptic writing.

## Why It Matters
The Prophecy of the Popes holds significance in religious and literary history as a controversial example of apocalyptic prophecy. It has fueled speculation about papal succession for centuries, particularly during conclaves. Its disputed authorship and cryptic language make it a focal point for debates about the nature of prophecy, pseudepigrapha, and the intersection of religion and literature. For scholars, it illustrates how texts can be reinterpreted or fabricated to align with historical events, while its cultural impact lies in its enduring role in popular imagination and conspiracy theories.

## Notable For
- **112 Cryptic Phrases**: Each pope is described by a brief, metaphorical Latin motto (e.g., "from the milk of flowers" for Pope Clement I).
- **Debated Authenticity**: Likely a 16th-century creation despite its 12th-century attribution.
- **Apocalyptic Imagery**: The final prophecy is often interpreted as predicting the papacy’s end or a cataclysmic event.
- **Cultural Legacy**: Referenced in media, fiction, and conspiracy theories (e.g., links to the "end times" or Antichrist narratives).
- **Scholarly Categories**: Classified as a literary work, prophecy, pseudepigraph, and potential *vaticinium ex eventu*.

## Body

### History and Publication
The Prophecy of the Popes was first published in 1595 by Arnold Wion, a Benedictine historian, in his work *Lignum Vitae*. While attributed to Saint Malachy (d. 1148), no evidence confirms its existence before the 16th century. This discrepancy has led scholars to classify it as a **pseudepigraph** (a work falsely attributed to a notable figure) and speculate that it was compiled retroactively, potentially as a *vaticinium ex eventu* (a prophecy written after the events it describes).

### Content and Structure
The prophecy consists of 112 short Latin phrases, each purportedly predicting a future pope. Examples include:
- **"De Medietate Lunae"** ("From the half of the moon") for Celestine II.
- **"De Militibus Thesiis"** ("From the Thesian soldiers") for Lucius III.

The final entry, **"In persecutione extrema S.R.E. sedebit"** ("In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church, he will sit"), is often interpreted as a reference to the papacy’s end, though its meaning remains ambiguous.

### Authenticity and Criticism
Scholars widely dismiss the prophecy’s authenticity. Key critiques include:
- **Anachronisms**: References to events and titles post-dating Malachy’s lifetime.
- **Publication Gap**: No record of the prophecy exists prior to Wion’s 1595 publication.
- **Motivations**: The text may have been created to bolster Counter-Reformation-era Catholic legitimacy.

### Cultural Impact
Despite skepticism, the prophecy has influenced popular culture and religious discourse. It is frequently cited in media during papal elections and has inspired numerous books, films, and conspiracy theories. Its cryptic nature invites subjective interpretation, ensuring its relevance in both scholarly and esoteric contexts.

### Related Concepts
- **Literary Work**: As a written artifact, it is categorized under literary studies, with analyses focusing on its symbolism and historical context.
- **Prophecy**: It exemplifies the genre of religious prophecy, blending prediction with moral or doctrinal commentary.
- **Pseudepigraph/Vaticinium ex Eventu**: Its disputed authorship and retrospective composition highlight broader debates about textual authenticity in religious literature.

### Legacy and Modern Relevance
The Prophecy of the Popes remains a curiosity in religious and literary studies, symbolizing the human desire to predict the future and the malleability of historical narratives. Its inclusion in academic databases (e.g., Wikidata, Encyclopedia of China) and ongoing public fascination underscore its dual role as a historical artifact and cultural touchstone.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013