Breaking News – Pope Francis Has Just Died. How This Significant Event Ties in With End-Times Prophecy. You Heard it Here First!

For those who have been following my writings, you’ll recall that there’s only one space left in the Vatican to hang the portrait of the “Final Pope.”

The Prophecy of the Popes – One Spot Left on the Wall

Within the Vatican, portraits of the popes are displayed in solemn succession—each framed image a tribute to centuries of Catholic leadership. But according to legend, there’s only one space left. One empty frame. One final image to complete the wall.

This haunting visual echoes an ancient prophecy that has intrigued believers for centuries: The Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, a 12th-century Irish archbishop.

Malachy’s vision reportedly came in 1139 during a pilgrimage to Rome. He collapsed in a trance and, upon awakening, dictated a cryptic list of 112 Latin mottos—each describing a future pope. The final line reads:

“In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock among many tribulations; after which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful Judge will judge His people. The end.”

Symbolism and Significance

Each motto in the prophecy has been linked—sometimes loosely, sometimes eerily—to the personality, background, or deeds of specific popes. For instance:

• “Gloria olivae” (“The Glory of the Olive”) was applied to Pope Benedict XVI, who was part of the Benedictine order, associated with peace and the olive branch.
• Pope Francis, widely considered the 111th pope in the prophecy, has been linked with the final description, “Peter the Roman”—though some dispute the accuracy of that match.

If Francis was indeed the 112th and final pope, then the next one could either fulfill or break the prophecy. That’s why the phrase “one spot left on the wall” carries such prophetic weight.

A One-World Religion and the End-Times Connection

Many students of end-times prophecy believe the final pope will not be a true servant of God, but rather a false prophet—a religious figure who helps usher in a one-world religion under the dominion of the Antichrist.

Could the final portrait belong not to a shepherd, but to a deceiver?

Revelation 13 describes a second beast rising from the earth—performing signs, calling down fire, and compelling the world to worship the first beast. This second beast is widely interpreted as the False Prophet—a religious figure with worldwide influence who deceives through spiritual seduction.

If the Prophecy of the Popes is true, that last space isn’t just a frame on a wall. It marks the beginning of the final chapter.

“The dreadful Judge will judge His people. The end.”

What Happens Now?

With today’s death of Pope Francis, the eyes of the world return to the Vatican, where a new pope will soon be chosen. But for those who watch Bible prophecy closely, this moment raises a sobering question:

Could the next pope play a role in the end times?

The Role of the False Prophet

The Book of Revelation warns of a powerful religious figure in the last days:

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.”
—Revelation 13:11 (KJV)

This second beast:

• Performs miracles (Rev. 13:13)
• Deceives the nations (Rev. 19:20)
• Urges worship of the Antichrist (Rev. 13:12)
• Enforces the Mark of the Beast (Rev. 13:16–17)

Though we cannot say for certain that the next pope is the False Prophet, the office of the papacy remains a globally influential position—spiritually and politically. Pope Francis championed causes such as interfaith unity, climate change, and economic reform—topics aligned with modern globalism. Some believe the next pope could take these efforts further, possibly helping to form a religious coalition under a false messiah.

Jesus gave a clear warning:

“Take heed that no man deceive you.” —Matthew 24:4
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” —Matthew 24:24

What Should We Do?

This is not a time for fear—but for vigilance, prayer, and spiritual clarity. Here’s how we can respond:

• Test all things by Scripture.
• Stay rooted in Christ, not religious systems.
• Do not follow leaders who deny the exclusivity of Jesus.
• Be filled with the Holy Spirit to avoid deception.
• Cling to the gospel, and boldly share it while there is time.

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
—John 8:32 (KJV)

The next pope may or may not be the False Prophet. But deception is clearly rising, and prophecy is unfolding before our eyes. The wall in the Vatican may have just one spot left—but heaven has plenty of room for those who trust in Jesus Christ.

Now is the time to be awake, to be alert, and to be anchored in the Word of God.

If you would like to read more of River Wilde’s “End-Times writings”, subscribe to his blog at www.riverwilde.blog