The Conclave…Final Pope, False Prophet Spoken of in Revelations?

Following Pope Francis’s passing on April 21, the College of Cardinals is observing the traditional nine-day mourning period, known as the novendiales. Preparations for the conclave are underway, with the Sistine Chapel scheduled to close on April 28 to facilitate the necessary arrangements. The conclave is expected to begin between May 6 and May 12, adhering to the protocol that it starts 15 to 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant

During this interim, cardinals are convening in general congregations to discuss the needs of the Church and to prepare for the election process. These meetings also serve as an opportunity for cardinals to become acquainted, especially given that many were appointed by Pope Francis and may not have previously met

The upcoming conclave is notable for its diversity; of the 135 cardinal-electors under the age of 80, a significant majority were appointed by Pope Francis, reflecting his efforts to diversify the College of Cardinals. This diversity is expected to influence the direction of the Church’s future leadership.​

Key figures speculated to be potential successors include:

Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy

The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinal-electors will gather in secrecy to elect the new pope. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority vote to be elected. Once elected, the new pope will be announced to the public with the traditional “Habemus Papam” declaration.​

Remember, “The Prophecy of the Popes?” Which Candidate most likely fits into this narrative?

The Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to St. Malachy, says that after a long list of 111 popes, there would be a final pope described as “Petrus Romanus” (Peter the Roman). This last pope, according to the prophecy, would shepherd the Church during a time of great tribulation, after which “the city of seven hills” (Rome) would be destroyed, and the dreadful Judge (God) would return — an apparent reference to the final judgment.

Now, with Pope Francis having passed away (April 21, 2025), attention has naturally turned to whether the next pope could match this description.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin stands out for a few striking reasons:

• His first name is Pietro, which is Italian for Peter — an immediate match to “Petrus” (Peter).
• He is Italian by nationality (born in Schiavon, Italy), connecting him to “Romanus” (Roman).
• He is currently one of the most powerful and experienced figures in the Vatican as the Secretary of State, essentially the Pope’s right-hand man in diplomacy and internal governance.
• Many consider him a “safe” candidate because he is moderate and deeply tied to the Church’s traditional political center — not radically progressive, nor extremely conservative.

Because of the eerie parallels — Pietro (Peter) + Italian roots (Roman) — some prophecy watchers and Catholic prophecy interpreters suggest Parolin could fit the “Peter the Roman” figure if he is elected.

But here’s something to keep in mind:

• The prophecy doesn’t guarantee that the final pope would literally be named Peter, but that he would spiritually represent Peter, meaning a time of returning to the original struggles of the Church — tribulation, persecution, and an urgent call for faithfulness.
• Many theologians argue that the prophecy could have symbolic, not literal, fulfillment.
• Others remind us that the prophecy itself is viewed skeptically by historians, suggesting it may have been written to influence a conclave around the 16th century, with less credibility about popes afterward.

Still, the fact remains:
If Pietro Parolin becomes pope, it would be impossible to ignore how closely his election would seem to align with the “Peter the Roman” description, at least on the surface.

Here’s the final message from the Prophecy of the Popes — the very last line associated with Petrus Romanus:

“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.”

Let’s break it down simply:

• “In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church”
  → The Church will experience severe tribulation and attack — both from external enemies and internal corruption.
• “Peter the Roman will pasture his sheep in many tribulations”
  → The final pope, likened to Peter (the original apostle and “rock” of the Church), will try to shepherd the faithful through incredibly hard times.
• “When these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed”
  → Rome (symbolized by the “seven hills”) will face devastating destruction. Some interpret this spiritually (collapse of religious authority), others literally (actual physical destruction).
• “And the dreadful Judge will judge his people”
  → This seems to point unmistakably to the Final Judgment — Christ returning as Judge.
• “The End.”
  → The prophecy simply concludes. No more descriptions, no further popes.

In simple terms:
The prophecy says the final pope will lead during a time of chaos, great suffering, and possibly the collapse of Rome itself — and then, the end of the world (or at least the end of the age) comes.

In the King James Version (KJV), the False Prophet is a key figure in the end times, especially in Revelation 13, Revelation 16:13, Revelation 19:20, and Revelation 20:10. He’s described as the one who promotes the worship of the Antichrist (“the Beast”) and performs miracles to deceive the world.

Now, about the final pope:
Many students of prophecy, especially those outside of the Catholic Church, believe the final pope could be the False Prophet — or at least that he will hold a similar role. Here’s how it ties together:

• The False Prophet has two horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon (Revelation 13:11).
  → “Like a lamb” suggests he appears religious, peaceful, even Christ-like. But “like a dragon” means he speaks with deception and satanic influence.

• The False Prophet directs worship toward the Beast (Revelation 13:12). → If the final pope (or a pope-like figure) is massively influential spiritually, he could steer billions toward the coming world leader (the Antichrist).

Why a pope?

• The pope is already seen worldwide as a moral and religious leader, with influence beyond just Catholics.

• Some Catholic prophecies themselves (like the Prophecy of the Popes attributed to St. Malachy) speak of a “final pope” who will reign during a time of great tribulation, when Rome will be destroyed.

• In modern times, there’s a clear push from the Vatican for interfaith unity — blending religions together. This matches Revelation 13’s description of the False Prophet creating a universal worship system.

Quick breakdown, connecting it directly:

Revelation Description	How It Ties to the Final Pope
Two horns like a lamb (Rev 13:11)	Looks like a Christian leader (Christ is the Lamb of God)
Speaks like a dragon (Rev 13:11)	Teaches deception, points people away from true Christ
Exercises all the power of the Beast (Rev 13:12)	Works alongside the Antichrist, promotes loyalty to him
Makes an image to the Beast and causes it to be worshiped (Rev 13:14-15)	May establish a global religious system centered on the Antichrist

Summary:
The final pope could very well be the False Prophet — a religious leader who pretends to represent Christ but actually leads the world into satanic worship during the tribulation.

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