This particular prophecy has placed the College of Cardinals in something of a dilemma. A large number are adamant that the next Pope not be named Peter in order to avoid the implications of fulfilling Mallachy’s prophecy. As one can see the implications are dire indeed, for the Church and for the World. It’s hard to interpret “tribulations” and “destroyed” in a positive light.

The College of Cardinals is unlikely to take Saint Malachi’s prophecies seriously, and will likely attempt to elect a Pope who can best unify the Church under the conditions it faces today. The fact that a Cardinal has the first name Peter will probably not influence their decision, since most elected Popes use a different name for their Papacy, usually in honor of a saint or previous Pope whose legacy they admire and want to imitate.

For example, Benedict XVI’s real name was Joseph (Ratzinger), but there has never been a Pope Joseph, as most Popes have too much humility to take the name of the Virgin Mary’s husband. He took the name Benedict out of admiration for Saint Benedict, the Benedictine theology, and the previous Pope Benedict whose Papacy was during World War I.

Saint Malachy prophecy says the next Pope (Petrus Romanus) will be the last before the End;

“In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit [i.e., as bishop]. 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 terrible judge will judge his people.
The End.”

Tough times ahead.

Terp Mole on February 11, 2013 at 12:23 PM

This particular prophecy has placed the College of Cardinals in something of a dilemma. A large number are adamant that the next Pope not be named Peter in order to avoid the implications of fulfilling Mallachy’s prophecy. As one can see the implications are dire indeed, for the Church and for the World. It’s hard to interpret “tribulations” and “destroyed” in a positive light.

Unfortunately for the College, one of their leading candidates for Pope would have been Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana. Would have been, were his name not PETER, the very name certain to send nervous chills down the spines of many in the Papal Conclave. Still there is a strong push to make Cardinal Turkson the first Black Pope, the very election of whom would signal to the world the inclusiveness of the Catholic Church.

So do they ignore the ancient prophecies, throw caution to the wind and elect Cardinal Peter Turkson in a bid to reach out to the world?, or do they attempt to fully abrogate the prophecy by electing someone with no connection whatsoever with either Peter or Rome, thereby forestalling the fulfillment of Malachy’s prophecies.

Tough times ahead, indeed!

hatecraft on February 11, 2013 at 12:51 PM

You forgot your sarc tag.

Who gives a damn. Catholic church has sided with the Devil for as long as live in the USA. The mere fact that Nancy Pelosi and her insane ilk have not been excommunicated at least a decade ago speaks volumes of the corruption of church hierarchs today. A religion led by such a corrupt, self serving bunch is not a religion I care to respect.

Archivarix on February 11, 2013 at 12:25 PM

You confuse the Rolls Royce with a few drunk drivers. Perhaps, if you bothered to seek the truth, you’d recognize that Christ hand-picked Judas. The Church, it’s sacraments, its sacred tradition, it dogma, are holy, many within may well be sinners—which is why Christ came down here in the first place. In the end Christ’s Holy Church will prevail, though many of its detractors may not fare so well.

…but was he sober?

KOOLAID2 on February 11, 2013 at 11:29 AM

I didn’t know that was a requirement to be Catholic; had I known it, I might not have Converted.

“In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit [i.e., as bishop]. 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 terrible judge will judge his people.
The End.”

Tough times ahead.

An African pontiff is the ticket. They are orthodox and have no time for the nihilism promoted by Western Leftist elites.

vilebody on February 11, 2013 at 11:42 AM

Very true. American journalists will be in a twist trying to figure him out.

itsspideyman on February 11, 2013 at 12:04 PM

As I posted on the other thread, I’m hoping for a non-European to get the job. That is an unorthodoxy in and of itself which I think would do much to strengthen the RCC and affirm the fact that it is universal. Hard to do when you keep elevating Europeans, mostly from within what is now Italy.

And yes, it would be enjoyable indeed to have idiots like Matt Lauer or Soledad O’Brien having to scramble to find out where on the map the next Pope is from and what exactly it means for the RCC.

That process will include the period called sede vacante, which means “empty chair,” a period without a Pope that allows the cardinals to meditate on the needs of the Church and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom in the election of a new pontiff.

Those kinds of empty chairs are good. Why do we have to live with one that has a defective “empty”.

I am saddened by this news…but praying for his health…and for the upcoming conclave.

It seems Pope Benedict XVI made his decision and delivered his announcement with serenity.

Truly remarkable.

An African pontiff is the ticket. They are orthodox and have no time for the nihilism promoted by Western Leftist elites.

vilebody on February 11, 2013 at 11:42 AM

Very true. American journalists will be in a twist trying to figure him out.

He was, in his own way, a worthy successor to John Paul II. His leaving like this seals his legacy. God be with him.

Don L on February 11, 2013 at 11:35 AM

…Cardinal Dolan…has a better sense of humour… than most!

Listening to some of the inanities coming out of the mouths of cable news anchors, and noting the way they are quickly, predictably, focusing on the “negative narratives” —

…that seems to be a journalists job the last decade or two!

…but was he sober?

KOOLAID2 on February 11, 2013 at 11:29 AM

Your name appears well suited!

Dolan might have better responded with the Joy that the Holy Spirit is a work now in this, and in the words of JPII, said, “be not afraid.”

“a pope from the mid-east would really upend Barry”

My money is on an Italian for the next pontiff.

I would say Latin America, but that’s become a dicier propositon.

A pope from the would really upend Barry.

A pope from the Philippines or West Africa would shake Europe and China.

No more Euros. No Americans.