Who is Petrus Romanus?

The concept of Petrus Romanus or Peter the Roman originates from a prophecy known as the Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to a 12th-century Irish saint named Saint Malachy. According to legend, Saint Malachy received a vision while on a pilgrimage to Rome in which he foresaw the future succession of popes. He reportedly documented this vision in a series of 112 cryptic phrases, each describing a pope from his time until the end of the papacy and, by extension, the end of the world. The last pope on this list is referred to as "Petrus Romanus" or "Peter the Roman." This figure is said to be the final pope who would guide the Church during a period of tribulation, leading to the destruction of Rome and the end of the papal line.

The Prophecy of the Popes and its enigmatic final entry, Petrus Romanus, has fascinated believers and conspiracy theorists alike, inspiring countless interpretations, books, and debates. But who exactly is Petrus Romanus? Could he represent a specific individual, a symbolic figure, or perhaps something else entirely?

The Origins of the Prophecy of the Popes

The Prophecy of the Popes first came to public attention in 1595, more than 400 years after Saint Malachy’s death in 1148. A Benedictine historian named Arnold Wion included the prophecies in his book Lignum Vitae (The Tree of Life). Wion claimed that Saint Malachy had received the prophecy in a vision and subsequently recorded it, presenting a list of all future popes with brief, cryptic Latin phrases describing each one.

Scholars debate the authenticity of the prophecy. Many believe that it was not written by Saint Malachy but was instead a forgery, possibly created during the late 16th century to support certain candidates in the papal succession. Nonetheless, the prophecy gained considerable popularity, particularly because many of its predictions appeared to align with real-life attributes or events associated with the popes listed.

The prophecy includes brief descriptions of each pope up to a final entry describing the 112th pope, Petrus Romanus, whom it names as the last pope who would lead the Catholic Church through a time of great suffering and turmoil.

The Description of Petrus Romanus in the Prophecy

The Latin text describing Petrus Romanus reads as follows:

“In persecutione extrema S.R.E. sedebit Petrus Romanus, qui pascet oves in multis tribulationibus: quibus transactis civitas septicollis diruetur, & Judex tremẽdus judicabit populum suum. Finis.”

Translated into English, this reads:

"In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations; when these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful Judge will judge his people. The End."

This description has led to much speculation about the identity of Petrus Romanus, his role, and what the prophecy’s ominous tone could mean for the future of the Catholic Church and humanity as a whole.

Interpretations of Petrus Romanus

The identity of Petrus Romanus has been subject to a range of interpretations, from literal to symbolic. Here are some of the most common interpretations and theories about this final pope:

A Literal Successor to Saint Peter: Some believe Petrus Romanus will be a literal successor to Saint Peter, the first pope of the Catholic Church. The use of “Peter” suggests a return to the Church’s origins, symbolizing a leader who brings the Church back to its foundational principles. Given that few popes choose the name "Peter" out of respect for the apostle himself, the idea of a pope actually named Peter is rare and significant.

Symbolic or Allegorical Figure: Others interpret Petrus Romanus symbolically rather than as an actual pope with the name “Peter.” In this view, the name may not refer to an individual pope at all but rather to a period of crisis and transformation for the Catholic Church. The "Roman" aspect could signify a pope deeply rooted in traditional Catholicism, facing modern challenges that test the very foundations of the Church.

A Pope with Strong Roman Ties: Some theorists propose that Petrus Romanus could be a pope with a strong connection to Rome, either by birth or through a commitment to traditional Roman Catholic values. In this interpretation, "Peter the Roman" does not imply that the pope’s actual name would be Peter, but rather that he would embody the spirit of Saint Peter and be deeply connected to the city of Rome, perhaps defending the Church during a time of crisis.

An Antichrist Figure: Among more apocalyptic interpretations, some believe Petrus Romanus could represent an Antichrist figure or an agent of the apocalypse. This perspective often stems from an interpretation of the phrase “final persecution” in the prophecy, which suggests a time of great tribulation for the Church. In this view, Petrus Romanus could either be a false leader within the Church or someone who brings about radical changes that disrupt traditional Catholic teachings.

A Defender of the Faith During Tribulation: Another interpretation sees Petrus Romanus as a pope who will face a time of great suffering and persevere, leading the Church during its most difficult period. In this reading, he is not a figure of doom but rather a steadfast shepherd guiding his flock through a time of persecution and hardship.

How Has Petrus Romanus Been Linked to Modern Popes?

With the recent papacies of Benedict XVI and Francis, many have speculated about their roles in relation to the prophecy. Benedict XVI was the 111th pope on Malachy’s list, often associated with the title “Glory of the Olive.” When he resigned in 2013, some believed it signaled the start of the final era of the papacy. His successor, Pope Francis, became the first pope to take the name Francis, breaking from traditional papal naming conventions.

While Pope Francis has not taken the name Peter, he has ties to Rome through his role and his commitment to addressing global challenges. For some, his papacy reflects the themes described in the prophecy of Petrus Romanus—leading the Church through a period of moral, social, and institutional crises. Yet, he does not fit the profile of Petrus Romanus as described in the prophecy literally.

Controversy and Criticism of the Prophecy

The Prophecy of the Popes, and particularly the identity of Petrus Romanus, has generated significant controversy. Critics argue that the prophecy is a forgery, created during a politically charged period in Church history. They note that descriptions of popes up until the 16th century appear far more specific than later descriptions, which are often vague and open to interpretation.

Additionally, many scholars consider the prophecy’s popularity as a reflection of apocalyptic anxiety rather than historical or spiritual truth. The prophecy taps into the human fascination with the end times, the role of religious authority, and the fear of persecution, topics that have perennially intrigued people.

Petrus Romanus and Apocalyptic Thought

Despite doubts about its authenticity, the prophecy has had a lasting impact on apocalyptic thought within and outside the Catholic Church. The concept of Petrus Romanus has inspired books, articles, and speculation about the future of the papacy and the Catholic Church. For some, it represents an impending crisis that will challenge the Church’s authority and endurance. For others, it symbolizes hope for a return to faithfulness under divine guidance during difficult times.

Conclusion

The identity and role of Petrus Romanus remain shrouded in mystery. Whether or not one believes in the authenticity of the Prophecy of the Popes, the figure of Petrus Romanus serves as a reminder of the challenges and transformations the Catholic Church has faced throughout history. For some, he represents an apocalyptic warning; for others, a symbolic call to resilience and faithfulness. Regardless of interpretation, the legend of Petrus Romanus endures as a fascinating part of religious and eschatological lore, inspiring contemplation of what the future may hold for the Catholic Church and its followers.