In recent decades, apocalyptic and prophetic traditions have gained renewed interest among theologians, historians, and the faithful alike. Two ancient prophecies, though emerging from distinct Christian traditions, seem to converge in an extraordinary way: the “Prophecy of the Popes” attributed to St. Malachy and the “Prophecy of the Anonymous of 1053” attributed to Orthodox manuscripts found in Mount Athos. With the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, many are asking: could he be the final shepherd—the symbolic “Petrus Romanus”? In this article, we explore these two ancient prophecies and the possibility that they are converging right now.
The Prophecy of the Popes and the Last Pontiff
According to the “Prophecy of the Popes“, there will be a total of 112 pontiffs, with the 112th being the recently deceased Pope Francis. The prophecy names the final pope, potentially the actual Pope Leo XIV, as Petrus Romanus (Peter the Roman):
“In extreme persecution, the seat of the Holy Roman Church will be occupied by Peter the Roman, who will feed the flock through many tribulations; after which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The end.”
This final line is dramatic. The Church will be persecuted, a final shepherd will guide the flock, and then comes the destruction of a “city of seven hills” and final divine judgment. For centuries, commentators have assumed this refers to Rome. But what if it doesn’t? What if the city in question is not Rome at all—but Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), also known historically as the city of seven hills?
Just like Rome, ancient Constantinople was built on seven hills. The Byzantine emperors, in establishing the city as “Nova Roma” (New Rome), mirrored the topographical and symbolic significance of the original. Thus, when apocalyptic prophecy refers to a “city of seven hills,” it is not outlandish to consider Constantinople a potential candidate.
The destruction of this city in prophecy could refer to a future catastrophic conflict that serves as both judgment and transition. In this light, the Malachy prophecy may not be predicting the physical fall of Rome but instead the destruction of Istanbul—signifying the collapse of Islamic rule there and paving the way for the restoration of Orthodoxy.
The Anonymous Prophecy of 1053: The Seven-State War and the End of Papacy
The “Prophecy of the Anonymous of 1053,” an Orthodox text with 24 points aligned to the Greek alphabet, predicts a series of historical and future events culminating in a decisive battle in Constantinople.
Point 23 reads:
Cessation of the Papacy, and establishment of one Patriarch for all of Europe.
which clearly converges with St. Malachy’s “Prophecy of the Popes”.
Point 17 reads:
“A battle of seven states in Constantinople; slaughter for three days and three nights; victory of the largest state over the six.”
This chilling prediction is interpreted by many Orthodox faithful—especially in Greece, Russia, and the Balkans—as referring to a future multinational conflict involving Turkey, Western powers, and ultimately Russia. The prophecy speaks of rivers of blood, chaos, and devastation, followed by divine intervention and the return of the city to the “Hellenes” (Orthodox Greeks) by the other nations. However, it is clear from the writings of St. Paisios—now canonized as a saint—that Greece will not enter this war.
The largest state that defeats the other six? That’s where the role of Russia comes into focus. In Orthodox eschatology, Russia has long been seen as the “Third Rome“—the spiritual successor to both ancient Rome and Constantinople. After the fall of Byzantium in 1453, the mantle of protector of Orthodox Christianity was symbolically passed to Moscow.
Numerous prophecies, including those by St. Paisios and other Athonite elders, speak of Russia intervening militarily in a future conflict centered on Turkey. The consistent theme: Turkey will provoke a war, leading to its dismemberment, and Constantinople will be liberated.
The Anonymous prophecy fits this narrative perfectly: seven states converge in Constantinople. Blood is shed for three days. And then, the largest state—likely Russia—emerges victorious.
Convergence with Malachy’s Prophecy
If we reframe Malachy’s “Petrus Romanus” not as a literal pope named Peter from Rome, but rather as the very last pope, spiritually shepherding through turmoil, the parallels are striking:
- The Pope Leo of today (Leo XIV) does not bear the name Peter, but the names in the Malachy prophecy have often proven symbolic or only understood in hindsight, so he could indeed be the last Pope—later associated with the title Petrus Romanus.
- If the city of seven hills is Constantinople, then the prophecy speaks of destruction not of the Vatican, but of Islamic Istanbul, opening the way for Christian restoration.
- After this destruction, Malachy’s prophecy ends. No more popes are listed. Could this be the end of the papacy itself, eclipsed by a unified Orthodox Church?
One Flock, One Shepherd
The final point (24) in the Anonymous prophecy echoes a powerful and hopeful vision:
“So shall it be, and we wish that it be. Amen. Amen. Amen. I am the Alpha and the Omega. First and last. The end. One flock and one shepherd shall there be, from the true Orthodox faith.”
This is nothing short of eschatological unity—the collapse of Catholicism and the rise of Orthodox Christianity as the universal faith. The fall of Istanbul could not be merely political, but also spiritual. The destruction of the “city of seven hills” leads not to chaos, but to order—restored under the Eastern Church.
Conclusion: Are We Living in the Prophetic Fulfillment?
The convergence of these two ancient prophecies—the Papal and the Orthodox—cannot be ignored. Pope Leo may well be the final pope, not in name but in historical role. Constantinople, not Rome, may be the city of seven hills whose destruction marks the end of one era and the birth of another. Russia may soon take the world stage not only geopolitically but as the hammer of divine justice, liberating the city and restoring Hagia Sophia to her rightful place.
If so, the end of the papacy is not the end of Christianity. It is the fulfillment of the promise of one faith, one shepherd, and one Church—the Orthodox Church—rising from the ashes of empire and heresy.
We do not know the day or hour. But the signs are converging, and the script—ancient though it may be—is unfolding before our eyes.
