Who is Petrus Romanus?

"Petrus Romanus" translates to "Peter the Roman" in Latin. It is a phrase that gained attention in the context of a prophecy attributed to Saint Malachy, an Irish saint and Archbishop of Armagh who lived in the 12th century. The prophecy is known as the "Prophecy of the Popes" or the "Malachy Prophecy."

According to this prophecy, Saint Malachy had a vision of the future popes of the Catholic Church, each described with a short Latin phrase. The final entry in the prophecy, which is the one referring to "Petrus Romanus," is interpreted by some as a prediction of the last pope before the end times or the apocalypse.

However, it's important to note that the authenticity and accuracy of the Malachy Prophecy are highly debated among scholars and theologians. Many argue that it was likely composed later than the 12th century and may have been politically motivated or even a forgery. Additionally, attempts to match the descriptions in the prophecy to specific popes have often been seen as subjective and speculative. Therefore, the significance of "Petrus Romanus" as a figure associated with eschatological beliefs varies depending on individual interpretations and beliefs.