Speculation Over Nostradamus' 'Black Pope' Prophecy Resurfaces After Francis' Death

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025,at the age of 88, anticipation is growing regarding who will lead the Catholic Church in its next phase. As the cardinals prepare for the conclave, speculation has resurfaced over a centuries-old prophecy by French astrologer Michel de Nostredame—better known as Nostradamus—which some believe predicted the rise of a so-called "Black Pope" as the final leader of the Catholic Church.

While the Vatican has not commented on such claims, online searches and social media conversations around Nostradamus' writings have surged in recent days, especially in Latin countries.

In one of his most cited quatrains, Nostradamus alludes to a leader "from the shadows" who will preside over the Church during an era of great turmoil. The reference has been tied by some interpreters to the Superior General of the Jesuit order—often nicknamed "the Black Pope" due to the traditional black attire of the order's leader. For some interpreters of profecies, Francis was this pope, since he belonged to the Jesuit order.

Others argue it may point to a pontiff emerging from the Global South, breaking with centuries of European dominance. With the College of Cardinals preparing for a new conclave, the names of candidates from Africa, Asia, and Latin America have taken center stage, including Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines.

For many Latino Catholics, the question is not prophecy but legacy. Francis, the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pontiff, was widely admired across the region for his progressive views on migration, poverty, and the environment. Some theologians suggest that the next pope could continue his vision—or mark a dramatic departure. In this context, the "Black Pope" speculation has become a cultural mirror for broader anxieties about the future of the Church, particularly among communities that felt represented under Francis' leadership.

Despite its viral resurgence, Church scholars caution against taking Nostradamus' predictions literally. "These prophecies are poetic and vague, open to interpretation and often retrofitted to current events," said Dr. Teresa Salazar, a historian of religion at the Universidad Iberoamericana. Still, in a time of global instability and institutional reckoning, the fascination with prophetic figures—real or imagined—continues to captivate audiences, especially in Latin America where faith and mysticism often intersect.

Francis's successor may be in this group

These are the names most frequently mentioned by Vatican observers. They represent diverse theological views and regional backgrounds.

Pietro Parolin
Country: Italy
Age: 70

Currently the Vatican's Secretary of State, Parolin is recognized for his diplomatic skills and extensive experience in church administration. Moderate in orientation, his ability to manage international relations makes him one of the strongest candidates.

Matteo Zuppi
Country: Italy
Age: 69

Archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference. A member of the Community of Sant'Egidio, he stands out for his commitment to interreligious dialogue and conflict mediation. His pastoral style and closeness to the vision of Pope Francis position him as a favorite.

Luis Antonio Tagle
Country: Philippines
Age: 67

Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and former Archbishop of Manila, Tagle is considered a charismatic figure who is close to the people. His progressive values, centered on mercy and social justice, have earned him the nickname "the Asian Francis." He would be the first Pope from Asia.

Peter Erdo
Country: Hungary
Age: 72

Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Erdő is an expert in canon law and a leading figure in Central Europe. He is recognized for having defended the legacy of Cardinal Mindszenty, a symbol of resistance against communism. His profile is more traditionalist, but with extensive institutional experience.

Peter Turkson
Country: Ghana
Age: 76

Former president of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, Turkson is a moderate who combines social sensitivity with diplomatic skills. He has been a leading voice on issues of social justice and the environment. If elected, he would be the first Black and African pope in modern history.

Robert Sarah
Country: Guinea
Age: 79

Former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Sarah is known for his deeply conservative views. His defense of traditional liturgy and criticism of certain reforms make him the favorite candidate among the most orthodox sectors of the Church.

Raymond Burke
Country: United States
Age: 76

A controversial figure within the Vatican, Burke has been one of the most visible critics of Francis's pontificate. Close to conservative sectors of the American Church and supported by figures like Donald Trump, his election would mark a sharp shift toward traditional doctrinalism.

Jean-Marc Aveline
Country: France
Age: 66

Archbishop of Marseille, Aveline is a champion of interreligious dialogue and social rights. He represents a progressive approach, with a pastoral style close to the values of Pope Francis. His experience in multicultural contexts positions him as a potential bridge between diverse worlds.

Mario Grech
Country: Malta
Age: 68

Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Grech has been instrumental in promoting a more synodal and participatory Church. Close to the reformist vision of Pope Francis, his inclusive approach has gained attention among those seeking continuity with the current pastoral direction.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa
Country: Italy
Age: 60

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa brings a unique perspective from the Middle East. His experience in interfaith relations and his handling of complex geopolitical contexts make him a relevant figure with international reach.

Although the conclave has not yet been convened, the debate on the future of the Catholic Church has already begun. These names, from diverse geographical and doctrinal contexts, reflect the current tensions within the Vatican: between reform and tradition, between openness to the modern world and defense of orthodoxy.

The next Pope could chart a new course for Catholicism in the 21st century.