Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World St. Malachy’s Prophecy of the Popes
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Jun 13, 2025 Delve into the intriguing world of St. Malachy’s prophecy concerning future popes. Discover whether this 12th-century bishop truly predicted events up to the end of the world. The discussion raises questions on the authenticity and accuracy of the mottos, especially post-1590. Explore the critical analysis of the prophecy’s origins and the controversy surrounding its validity. Can these predictions really align with Catholic teachings, or are they a source of division? Listeners also enjoy lighthearted banter and feedback from the community.
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St. Malachi's Historical Profile
- St. Malachi was an Irish bishop who lived from 1094 to 1148 and was known for miracles and private revelations.
- Contemporary biography by St. Bernard confirms his historical existence and reputation for prophecy.
Structure of the Prophecy
- The prophecy lists 112 cryptic Latin mottos attributed to popes from 1139 onwards.
- Initial mottos are matched to popes using heraldry, origin, and names by later interpreters in the 1590s.
Accuracy Drops After 1590
- The prophecy fits pre-1590 popes at a 95% hit rate but only 8% post-1590, showing a sharp drop in accuracy.
- Post-1590 mottos are vague and ill-fitting, suggesting a later composition date around 1590.
Did the 12th century Irish bishop St. Malachy predict the popes through the end of the world? And did we just get the last one? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the prophecy of the popes, its accuracy, and what light that recent events shed on it.