--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ex Magnitudine Montis
From The Great Mountain
Eugene III
Bernardo Forse De Paganelli Di Montemagno—1145-1153
Bernardo was elected Pope on the 15th February 1145, and died in Tivoli on the 8th July 1153. On the same day that Pope Lucius died, the Sacred College foreseeing that the Roman populace would make a determined effort to force the new Pope to abdicate his temporal power, withdrew to the remote cloisters of St. Caesarius and elected a candidate outside their body. They chose, unanimously, the Cistercian monk Bernard of Pisa, Abbot of the monastery of Tre Fontane. He was enthroned as Eugene III without delay, and since resi dence in the rebellious city was impossible, the Pope and his Cardinals fled to the country. St. Bernard received the news of the elevation of his disciple with astonishment and pleasure and wrote to the new Pope a letter containing the famous and often quoted passage—"Who will grant ;me to see, before I die, the Church of God as in the days of old, when the apostles laid down their nets for a draught, not of silver and gold, but of souls?" Eugene is said to have gained the affection of the people by his affability and generosity. During his lifetime he continued to wear the coarse habit of Clairveaux beneath the purple and the virtues monasticism accompanied him through his stormy career. St. Antoninus described Eugene III as one of the greatest and most afflicted Popes.
Malachy's Areas Suburranus Anastasius IV Corrado—1153-1154 Corrado was crowned Pope on the 12th July 1153 and died in Rome on the 3rd December of the following year. He is chiefly known for his attitude towards Frederick Barbarossa and his recognition of Wichmann as Bishop of Magdeburg. Interpreters of Malachy differ in their explanation of the word De Rure Albo Adrian IV Nicholas Breakspear—1154-1159 Little is known about the parentage or boyhood of Adrian although it is recorded that he was probably born in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. Adrian went abroad as a poor wandering scholar and begged his way to the famous university of Paris. He was admitted among the regular canons of St. Rufus, where he was successively raised to the office of Prior and Abbot. However, the canons repented of their choice and appealed to the Pope on two occasions, bringing various charges against him. Pope Eugene ordered the canons to elect another Abbot and raised Adrian to the rank of Cardinal Bishop of Albano in 1146. He was sent as Papal Legate to the kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. On his return to Rome he was hailed the Apostle of the North and as the death of Anastasius IV occurred at that time on 2nd December 1154, Adrian was unanimously elected the successor of St. Peter on the following day. The turbulent and fickle population of Rome was once again in open revolt under the leadership of Arnold of Brescia. King William of Sicily also showed open hostility and the professed friendship of Frederick Barbarossa was even more dangerous. When Cardinal Gerardo was mortally wounded in broad daylight, Adrian at once laid the city under an interdict and retire
d to Viterbo. He forbade the observance of any sacred service until the Wednesday of Holy Week and the Senators were impelled to prostrate themselves before His Holiness. Submission was made and the ban removed. In June 1155 the famous meeting between Frederick of Hohenstauffen, then the most powerful ruler in Europe, and Adrian, the most powerful spiritual leader in the world, took place about thirty miles north of Rome. This ultimately led to the crowning of Frederick in St. Peter's. In 1156 Adrian collected his vassals and mercenaries and marched south to Beneventum where he remained until June 1156. It was during this time that John of Salisbury spent three months with him and obtained from the Pope the famous Donation of Ireland. In his work The suggestion that because he was born in England Adrian made Ireland over to King Henry II, who was no relation of his, does not merit serious attention. The only objection raised to John of Salisbury's statement is that it may be an interpolation. If it is not an interpolation it constitutes a complete proof of the donation, the investiture by the ring being legally sufficient. The Pope's Bull known as (1) The letter of investiture referred to by John of Salisbury, 1156. The Bull was not sent forward in 1156, because the offer of Adrian was not then acted on, but the investiture was accepted. At a council held in Winchester on the 29th September 1156 the question of subduing Ireland and giving it to William, Henry's brother, was considered, but the expedition was put off to another time. The donation of Adrian was subsequently recognised in many official writings, and the Pope, for more than four centuries, claimed the over-lordship of Ireland. Pope Adrian IV died at Anagni in open strife
with the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa who was in league with the Lombards against him. Alexander III carried out the intentions of Adrian and shortly afterwards excommunicated the Emperor. Malachy's prophecy Ex Ansere Custode Alexander III Rolando Bandinelli—1159-1181 Rolando Bandinelli was born of a distinguished Sienese family. He was a professor in Bologna and was called to Rome by Eugene III in the year 1150, where he soon became Cardinal of the title of St. Mark and Papal Counsellor. After the death of Pope Adrian IV (1st September 1159), of the twenty-two Cardinals assembled to elect a successor all but three voted for Rolando. In opposition to Cardinal Rolando, who took the name of Alexander III, the three imperialist members of the conclave chose one of their own number, Cardinal Octavian, who assumed the title of Victor IV. The Emperor summoned both claimants before a packed assembly at Pavia where he addressed Octavian as Victor IV, and the canonically elected Pope as Cardinal Rolando. Pope Alexander refused to submit his clear right to this tribunal, which, as was foreseen, declared for the usurper on the 11th February 1160. Alexander promptly responded by excommunicating the Emperor and releasing his subjects from their oaths of allegiance. The ensuing schism was far more disastrous to the empire than to the papacy. It lasted for seventeen years and only ended after the battle of Legnano in 1176, with the unconditional surrender of Barbarossa, in Venice, in 1177. Alexander's enforced exile in France 1162 to 1165) helped greatly to enhance the dignity of the papacy, never so popular as when in distress. It also brought him into direct contact with the most powerful monarch of the West, Henry II of England. After Thomas Becket's murder the Pope succeeded, without actual recourse to ban or interdict, in obtaining from the penitent monarch every right for which the martyr had died. In 1179 Alexander convoked and presided over the third Lateran Council. At this council the exclusive right of papal elections was vested in a two-third majority of the Cardinals. Alexander III died on the 3rd August 1181. Panvinio refers to Alexander as Ex Tetro Carcere Victor IV (Antipope) Ottaviano Monttcello—1159-1164 Ottaviano was Cardinal of the title of St. Nicholas at the Tullian prison. Panvinio gives him the same title, whilst others proclaim him to be Cardinal of St. Sicilia. He was elected on the 7th September 1159 by a small minority of Cardinals, the clergy of St. Peter and the Roman populace, while the majority of the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Rolando who assumed the title of Alexander III. Ottaviano belonged to one of the most powerful Roman families (Count Tuscalan's) and had been a Cardinal since 1138. As he was considered a great friend of Barbarossa he rested his hopes on the Emperor backing his election to the Papal see. He died at Lucca on the 20th April 1164 and was succeeded by the antipope Paschal III. Malachy's Latin description is an allusion to his Cardinal title. Via Transtiberina Paschal Guido Da Crema III (Antipope)—1164-1168 De Pannonia Tusciae Callixtus III Giovanni Di Strumi—1168-29/8/1178 Callixtus III was the Hungarian Jo
hn, Abbot of Struma. Malachy's Latin legend for Paschal III and Callixtus III are obvious allusions to their ecclesiastical titles, which appear to be in dispute. However, historians are satisfied that Paschal was in fact Cardinal Bishop of St. Mary in Transtevere and Callixtus was from Hungary. At this point the Date of his submission to Alexander III. Lux In Ostio Lucius III Ubaldo Allucingoli—1181-1185 Ubaldo was born in Lucca and created Cardinal Priest in 1141. In 1159 he became Cardinal Bishop of Ostia. After the death of Alexander III he was elected Pope in Velletri where he was crowned. He was compelled to leave Rome in 1182, but returned the following year in an attempt to put an end to the continual dissensions of the Romans. However, his life was made so unbearable that he had to leave the city for a second time. Though the relations between Lucius III and the Emperor Frederick I were not openly hostile they were always strained. Lucius III did not yield to the Emperor and demanded that German Bishops, unlawfully appointed by the antipopes during the pontificate of Alexander III, should be re-consecrated and retain their sees. He died at Verona on the 25th November 1185. Malachy's description appears to be a play on the words Lucius or Lucca and Ostia. Sus In Cribro Urban III Uberto Of The Noble Milanese Family Of Crivelli—1185-1187 Uberto was created a Cardinal by Lucius III in 1182 and Archbishop of Milan in 1185. He was elected to succeed Lucius and crowned on 1st December 1185. Urban inherited from his predecessor a legacy of feud with the great Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and this was embittered by personal hostility, for at the sack of Milan in 1162 the Emperor had caused several of the Pope's relatives to be mutilated. He died at Ferrara on the 19th October 1187. Malachy's description is an allusion to the Pope's family name, Crivelli: Crivelli in Italian means a sieve. In his Ensis Laurentii Gregory VIII Alberto De Morra—1187 This Pope had only a pontificate of one month and 27 days. The year 1187 witnessed the almost complete obliter
ation of Christianity in Palestine. The fall of the Holy City struck Europe and Urban III is said to have died of a broken heart on 20th October. The following day the Cardinals elected Cardinal Alberto, a Beneventan of noble family. He was created Cardinal in 1155 and given the title of San Lorenzo in Lucina in 1158. He died in Pisa on the 17th December 1187. There are two possible allusions in the prophecies of Malachy: firstly, Gregory VIII had been Cardinal of St. Lawrence, and secondly, his armorial bearing was a drawn sword. De Schola Exiet Clement III Paolo Scolari—1187-1191 During the short space (1181-1188) which separated the pontificates of Alexander III and Innocent III, not less than five pontiffs occupied the Papal chair in swift succession. They were all veterans trained in the school of Alexander. Two days after Gregory VIII's death the Cardinal Bishop of Palestrina, Paolo Scolari, was elected to the See of St. Peter. This was a popular choice for the Romans, because he was the first Roman to be thus elevated to the papacy since the rebellion in the days of Arnold of Brescia. From the beginning, Pope Clement III concentrated on the task of massing the forces of Christendom against the Saracens. He was the organiser of the Third Crusade. His death occurred on the 27th March 1191. Malachy's legend is merely an allusion to his family name and is to be understood as foretelling that this Pope was to be one of the Scolari. De (Ex) Rure Bovensi Celestine, III Giacinto Bobone—1191-1198 Giacinto Bobone was born in 1106 and became the first of the Roman family of Orsini to ascend to the chair of St. Peter. On 30th March 1191, in his eighty-fifth year, he was elected to succeed Clement III after forty-seven years as a Cardinal. As he was only a Cardinal Deacon, he was ordained Priest on the 13th April, and consecrated Bishop the next day. The following day he anointed and crowned King Henry VI of Germany as Emperor. Pope Celestine III canonized St. Malachy of Armagh. Malachy's description refers once again to the Pope's family name. Comes Signatus Innocent III Lotarto Dei Conti Di Segni—1198-1216 Lotario was born in 1160 in Anagni, the son of Count Trasimund of Segni and a nephew of Clement III. He became an outstanding theologian and when he returned to Rome after the death of Alexander III he held various ecclesiastical offices during the reigns of successive popes. Pope Gregory VIII created him Cardin
al Deacon of St. George in 1190 and later Cardinal Priest. During the pontificate of Celestine III, who was a member of the Houses of Orsini, enemies of the Counts of Segni, he lived in retirement. After the Pope's death Lotario was elected Pope on the same day on which Celestine III died. He was only 37 years old. There was scarcely a country in Europe over which Innocent III did not in some way or other assert the supremacy which he claimed for the papacy. He was a zealous protector of the true faith and a strenuous opponent of heresy. His great political/ecclesiastical achievements brought the papacy to the zenith of its power. He died on the 16th June 1216 in Perugia. Malachy's legend refers to the illustrious family of the Conti of which the Conti di Segni was a branch. Canonicus De Latere Honorius III Cencio Savelli—1216-1227 Cencio Savelli was born in Rome and was for a time canon at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. He became Papal Chamberlain in 1188 and Cardinal Deacon of Santa Lucia in 1193. Under Pope Innocent III he became Cardinal Priest of St. John and St. Paul and was appointed tutor to the future Emperor Frederick II in 1197. On the 18th July 1216, nineteen cardinals assembled in Perugia, where Innocent had died two days previously. The Cardinals agreed to an election by compromise and Cardinal Ugolino of Ostia (afterwards Pope Gregory IX) and Cardinal Guido of Praeneste were empowered to appoint a new Pope. Cencio Savelli was chosen and consecrated in Perugia and crowned in Rome on the 31st August. Again this was a popular choice in Rome. Unlike his predecessor he was very advanced in age when acceding to the papal throne. Honorius III became the patron of three great orders. He approved the rule of St. Dominic in his Bull Malachy obviously refers to the fact that Cencio Savelli was a canon of St. John Lateran. Avis Ostiensis Gregory IX Ugolino, Dei Con Ti Di Segni—1227-1241 Ugolino was born in 1145 at Anagni. Educated at Paris and Bologna and appointed successively Papal Chaplain, Archpriest of St. Peter and Cardinal Deacon in 1198. In May 1206 he succeeded Octavian as Cardinal Bishop of Ostia. Honorius III made him Plenipotentiary Legate in 1217 and on the 18th March 1227, after the death of Pope Honorius III, the Cardinals once again agreed upon an election by compromise. Two of the three Cardina
l electors were Ugolino and Conrad of Urach. At first Conrad of Urach was elected, but he refused the tiara lest it might appear that he had elected himself. All the Cardinals unanimously elected Ugolino on the 19th March 1227. He was then more than eighty years old. When still Cardinal Bishop of Ostia, Gregory IX would often wear the dress of St. Francis, walk about barefoot with him and his disciples and discuss theological matters with Francis. St. Francis loved him as his father, and in a prophetic spirit used to address him as "the Bishop of the whole world and the father of all nations". He was also a devoted friend of St. Dominic and promoted the interests of his order in many ways. St. Clare and her order stood also under the protection of Gregory IX. He was a great patron of other religious orders with whose help he planned the conversion of Asia and Africa. For a time Gregory IX lived in hope that he might bring about a reunion of the Latin and Greek Churches. In 1232 the Patriarch of Constantinople acknowledged the Papal primacy, but Gregory failed, line many other popes before and after him, in his efforts to reunite the two churches. During the 13 years of his pontificate he created fourteen Cardinals, many of whom were members of religious orders. He died on the 22nd August 1241 at Rome. The arms of Gregory IX show an eagle and he was Cardinal Bishop of Ostia. This is the first allusion to armorial bearings which can now be used in evidence. [See Leo Sabinus Celestine IV Goffredo Castiglioni—1241 This pope was a native of Milan and a nephew of Urban III. He was probably a Cistercian. He was made a Cardinal by Gregory IX and succeeded him on the 25th October 1241. His death occurred after a reign of only fifteen days. Malachy's prophecy is an allusion to the Pope's armorial bearing which features a lion. He is also said to have been Cardinal Bishop of Sabina (Episcopus Cardinalis Satinus) which, of course, has nothing to do with the Church and Convent of Saint Sabina in Rome. Comes Laurentius, Count Laurence Innocent IV Sinibaldo Fieschi (Count Of Lavagna)—1243-1254 Born of one of the noble families of Genoa, Fieschi became Cardinal Priest of St. Laurence in Lucina in 1228. When Celestine IV had died, the excommunicated Emperor Frederick II was in possession of the states of the Church around Rome and attempted to intimidate the Cardinals into electing a Pope of his choice. The Cardinals fled to Anagni and voted for Sinibaldo Fieschi, who ascended the Papal throne as Innocent IV in June 1243, after an interregnum of one year, seven months and fifteen days. Sinibaldo Fieschi was Cardinal of St. Laurence and Malachy's prophecy is an obvious reference to this. Signum Ostiense Alexander IV Rinaldo Dei Signori Di Ienne—1254-1261 Rinaldo was born of the noble house of Segni which had already given two sons to the Papacy, and was created Cardinal Bishop of Ostia by his uncle Gregory IX. On the death of Innocent IV in 1254, the aged Cardinal was unanimously chosen to succeed him. As Pope he showed great favour to the Order of St. Francis and one of his first acts was to canonise St. Clare. He died on the 25th May 1261. Hierusalem Campaniae Urbani V Jacques Pantaleon—1261-1264 Jacques, the son of a French cobbler, was born in Troyes. After being a Canon and Archdeacon of Liege, he became Bishop of Verdun in 1254 and Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1255. After the death of Alexander IV he was elected Pope. He died on the 2nd October 1264. Born in Champagne and raised to the title of Patriarch of Jerusalem, Malachy's description appears most appropriate. Draco Depressus Clement IV Guido Fulcodi—1265-1268 Guido was born in Saint-Gilles on the Rhone, and made a rapid rise in the Church. In 1261 he became Cardinal Bishop of Sabina and was elected Pope, against his will, on the 5th February 1265. He accepted this position with great reluctance. After his death in 1268 the Papal throne remained vacant for nearly three years. Panvinio in his Anguineus Vir Gregory X Tebaldo Visconti—1271-1276 Tebaldo Visconti was born in 1210 and became Archdeacon of Liege. After the death of Pope Clement IV the French and Italian Cardinals could not agree on a candidate. Three years later they voted for Tebaldo Visconti, who was not only not a Cardinal but not even a priest. He accepted the Papal dignity and took the name of Gregory X. From the very beginning of his pontificate Gregory sought to promote the interests of the Holy Land. He died on the 10th January 1276. Again the coat of arms as given by Panvinio differs
substantially from that which is attributed to him in later centuries. Panvinio quite plainly shows a serpent in the armorial bearings of the Pope and his family. Concionator Gallus Innocent Petrus A Tarantasia—1276 Born in 1225 in south eastern France, Tarantasia became Archbishop of Lyons in 1272 and Cardinal Bishop of Ostia in 1273. He was the intimate adviser of Gregory X whom he succeeded on the 21st January 1276. Thus he became the first Dominican Pope. He died in June 1276. Malachy's prophecy refers to Innocent V having been a member of the order of Preachers, and a Frenchman. Bonus Comes Adrian V Ottobono Fieschi—1276 This nephew of Innocent IV reigned only from the 12th July to the 21st August 1276. Adrian V was a count and his name Ottobono furnishes an explanation to the second half of the prophecy. Piscator Tuscus John XXI Pietro Juliani—1276-1277 Pietro was born in Lisbon. He was appointed Cardinal Bishop of Tusculum and in 1276 he was elected to succeed Adrian V. On the 14th May 1277 while the Pope was alone in his apartment, it collapsed and he was buried under the ruins. Piscator obviously refers to his name Petrus; Tuscus is an adjective used (probably in error) to refer to Tusculum. After John XIV had been removed by force, the usurper Boniface VII reigned eleven months, dying in July 985. A Roman named John was then elected Pope and crowned. Some historians, and even Papal catalogues, give as the immediate successor to Boniface yet another John, who is supposed to have reigned for four months and is placed by a few historians in the list of Popes as John XV. Although this alleged Pope John never existed, the fact that he has been catalogued by these historians has frown into disorder the enumeration of the Popes named John, the true John XV often being called John XVI. This confusion was remedied when Cardinal Roncalli took the name John XXIII, ascending to the throne of St. Peter in 1958, nearly 1,000 years after the confusion started. Rosa Composi Ta Nicholas III Giovanni Gaetano Orsini—1277-1280 Giovanni was born in Rome in 1216 of the illustrious Roman family of Orsini. He was created Cardinal Deacon with a title of St. Nicholas by Innocent IV. After the death of John XXI he succeeded him as Pope in 1277. Giovanni Gaetano Orsini bore a rose in his coat of arms. Ex Telonio Liliacei Martini Martin IV Simo
ne De Brion—1281-1285 Simone was born in the Castle of Montpensier in the old French province of Touraine, and became Canon and Treasurer at the Church of St. Martin in Tours. King Louis IX made him Chancellor of France in 1260 and Urban VI created him a Cardinal. Six months after the death of Pope Nicholas III, Simone de Brion was unanimously elected Pope in 1281. He died on the 28th March 1285. St. Malachy obviously refers to the Pope's position as Treasurer of St. Martin of Tours; the fleur-de-lis is a well known emblem of France. Ex Rosa Leonina Honorius IV Giacomo Savelli—1285-1287 Giacomo Savelli, who was born in Rome in 1210 had, it seems, an unspectacular career before ascending to the Papal throne. In 1261 he was created Cardinal by Martin IV who also made him Captain of the Papal army. His election to the papacy was one of the speediest in history; three days after the death of Pope Martin IV fifteen out of the eighteen Cardinals who then composed the Sacred College elected the Pope without the Conclave, which had been prescribed by Gregory X, but suspended by John XXI. At the first vote taken Giacomo Savelli was unanimously elected and took the name of Honorius IV. He died in Rome on the 3rd April 1287. Malachy's description is an allusion to the Pope's coat of arms which shows two lions holding a rose. Picus Inter Escas Nicholas IV Girolamo Masci—1288-1292 Pope Nicholas IV had entered the Franciscan order at an early age and was sent in 1272 as a delegate to Constantinople to invite the participation of the Greeks in the Second Council of Lyons. Two years later he succeeded St. Bonaventure in the Generalship of his order. He was created a Cardinal in 1278 and Martin IV appointed him Bishop of Palestrina. After the death of Honorius IV on the 3rd April 1278 the Conclave was hopelessly divided in its election of a successor. It was not until the following year on the 15th February 1288 that the Cardinal unanimously elected Girolamo Masci. He died in Rome on the 4th April 1292. Malachy's prophecy is most obscure. It has been suggested that The fact that Malachy's description makes little sense to us does not prove that it was meaningless at the time when it was made or when Nicholas IV became Pope. Ex Eremo Celsus Celestine V Pietro Di Murrone—
1294 Pietro was born in 1215, and became a Benedictine at the age of 17. His love of solitude led hi m into the wilderness of Montemorrone and later into the wilderness of Mount Majella. He followed the example of John the Baptist and wore hair-cloth roughened with knots. A chain of iron was fastened around him every day except Sundays, and for long stretches of time he lived on bread and water. In July 1294 three Cardinals accompanied by a great multitude of monks ascended the mountain and announced that Pietro had been chosen Pope by a unanimous vote of the Sacred College. Two years and three months had elapsed since the death of Nicholas IV. Pietro heard of his elevation with tears, but after a brief prayer obeyed what seemed the clear voice of God. Owing to his inexperience of diplomatic matters the affairs of the Curia fell into extreme disorder and he looked upon affairs of state as wasting time that ought to be devoted to exercises of piety. Because he feared that his soul was in danger he proposed abdication. The question arose for the first time whether a Pope could resign. On the 13th December he summoned the Cardinals and announced his resignation and proclaimed the Cardinals free to proceed to a new election. He was most cruelly treated by his successor Boniface VIII, who had him arrested and imprisoned. He died in prison on 19th May 1296. Malachy's prophecy appears to have been remarkably fulfilled. Ex Undarum Benedictione Boniface VIII Benedetto Caetani—1294-1303 Born in 1235 in Rome, Benedetto was the son of a noble Spanish family which had established itself in Gaeta and later in Anagni. Through his mother he was related to the house of Segni. He obtained a doctorate in Canon and Civil Law and in 1265 he accompanied Cardinal Fieschi to England to restore harmony between Henry III and the rebellious barons. In 1276 he entered upon his career in the Curia where he soon acquired considerable influence. The abdication of Pope Celestine V has been frequently ascribed to the undue influence and pressure of Cardinal Caetani. It is probable that the elevation of this simple minded and inexperienced recluse did not commend itself to a man like Caetani, reputed to be the greatest jurist of his age and well skilled in the arts of Curial diplomacy. There can be no question that he treated his predecessor most cruelly. He entertained the most exalted notions on the subject of papal supremacy and was most emphatic in the assertion of his claims. His reign was marked by political intrigues all over the Western world in which he played no mean part. Reports that he died in a frenzy, gnawing his hands and beating his brains out against a wall, have never been proved. He died in Rome on the 11th October 1303. The Latin legend of Malachy has been interpreted as referring to the Pope's armorial bearing, combined
with the reference to his Christian name. Concionator Patareus Benedict XI Nicholas Boccasini—1303-1304 Nicholas was born in 1240 and entered the Dominican order at the age of fourteen. In 1296 he was elected Master General of the order. In this position he became one of the defenders of the unpopular Pontiff, who showed him many marks of favour and confidence. He became Bishop of Ostia and Dean of the Sacred College and when in 1303 the enemies of the Pope had made themselves masters of the Sacred Palace, only he and another Cardinal remained at the side of Boniface VIII to defend him. In October that year he was unanimously elected Pope. After a brief pontificate of eight months Benedict XI died suddenly. It was suspected that he had been poisoned. Nicholas was a native of Patara and belonged to the Order of Preachers. De Fessis Aquitanicis Clement V Bertrand De Got—1305-1314 Bertrand de Got was born in France in 1264, of a distinguished family, his elder brother being the Archbishop of Lyons. He himself became Archbishop of Bordeaux. In 1305 after a Conclave of eleven months Bertrand de Got was elected Pope. During the usual Papal procession the Pope was thrown from his horse by a falling wall; one of his brothers was killed and so was Cardinal Matteo Orsini who had taken part in twelve Conclaves and seen thirteen Popes. The most precious jewel in the Papal crown was lost that day, an incident which has been prophetically interpreted by many. He died in April 1314. Malachy's prophecy refers to the fact that the Pope came from Aquitania and makes heraldic reference to his armorial bearings. De Sutore Osseo John XXII Jacques Duese—1316-1334 Jacques was born in 1249 and received his early education from the Dominicans. He became Bishop of Frejus in 1300 and Cardinal in 1312. After the death of Clement V the Papal See was vacant for two years and four months. In 1316 Jacques was chosen Pope. After his coronation at Lyons, John XXII moved to Avignon where he fixed his residence. He died on the 4th December 1334. His financial measures and centralisation of administration, and the fact that the transfer of the Papacy from Rome to Avignon had been made in the interests of France, made the Curia of Avignon generally detested. In fact the widespread distrust of the Papacy could not fail to result in consequences detrimental to the interior life of the Church. Historians have always maintained that Jacques Duese was the son of a shoemaker named Osse. If this is so, the legend is perfectly clear. Corvus Schismaticus Nicholas V (Antipope) Pietro Rainallucci—1328-1330 In 1328 the excommunicated German King Louis of Bavaria received in Rome the Imperial Crown from Sciarra Colonna and on April 18th, and in the name of Louis of Bavaria, proclaimed John XXII a heretic, usurper and oppressor of the Church and also deprived him of his Papal dignities. A straw image of the Pope was publically burned in Rome and on the 12th May a Franciscan monk Pietro was proclaimed antipope by Louis, taking at his consecration the name of Nicholas V. In August 1330 Pietro wrote to Pope John XXII asking for pardon and absolution. This was granted; but Pietro was never allowed to leave the city where he spent the three remaining years of his life in voluntary penance and study. He died in 1333. Medieval interpreters give this pope's name as Peter de Corberia or de Corbavio; the Vatican calender lists him as Pietro Rainallucci di Corvaro. Corvus appears an obvious allusion to the Pope's place of origin and, Schismaticus places him among the ranks of the antipopes. Frigidus Areas Benedict XII Jacques Fournier—1334-1342 Jacques was a Cistercian monk in the Monastery of Fontforide. The Abbot there was his uncle, Arnold Novelli, by whose name Fournier was also known. He later became Abbot himself and was created Cardinal in 1310. He received the necessary two-thirds vote in December 1334 and was enthroned as Benedict XII on the 8th January 1335. He encountered much criticism and resentment and he died in Avignon in 1342. Malachy's legend is explained by Panvinio's description "Abbes monasterii Fontis Frigidi". Ex Rosa Atrabensis Clement VI Pierre Roger—1342-1352 Pierre Roger was born in 1291 in France and entered a Benedictine Monastery at the age of ten. He rapidly rose from one ecclesiastical dignity to another and he became Bishop of Arras and Chancellor of France in 1328. He was created a Cardinal in 1338 by Benedict XII whom he succeeded as Pontiff in 1342. During his reign he tools up the long standing conflict between the Emperor Louis of Bavaria and the Papacy, and Louis finally submitted to the Pope. Clement was more a temporal prince than an ecclesiastical ruler; a patron of the arts, banquets and receptions to which Ladies were freely admitted. The heavy expenses necessitated by such pomp soon exhausted the funds and Clement imposed an ever-increasing number of taxes, and appointments to Bishoprics were exclusively reserved for the Pope. He died after a short illness in December 1352 in Avignon. Pierre Roger was Bishop of Arras, Episcopus Atrabensis, and his armorial bearings show six roses. De Montibus Pammachii Innocent VI Stefano Aubert—1352-1362 Stefano Aubert was born in France, and began his career as Professor of Civil Law. His career in the Church was equally spectacular; in 1342 he became Cardinal Bishop. He was elected Pope at Avignon on the 18th December 1352, where he died on the 12th September 1362. Malachy's prophecy refers to the fact that Innocent VI had been Cardinal Priest of Pammachius. Panvinio refers to his family crest showing six hills. Gallus Vicecomes Urban V Guglielmo De Grimoard—1362-1370 Guglielmo was born of a noble French family in 1310. He became a Benedictine monk and one of the greatest canonists of his day. In 1352 he became Abbot and started on a diplomatic career. Owing to jealousy within the Sacred College, which made the election of any one of its members impossible, Guglielmo De Grimoard was consecrated on the 6th November 1362 to succeed Innocent VI. He continued to wear the habit of the Benedictines. Urban was a patriotic Frenchman, which must be judged as a defect in the Pope of all Christendom; he estranged the English, aroused hostility in Italy and made many enemies. He died in Avignon on the 19th December 1370. Malachy refers to the Pope's origin. Novus De Virgine Forti Gregory XI Pierre Roger De Beaufort—1370-1378 De Beaufort, born in 1331, was a nephew of Pope Clement VI who also created him Cardinal in 1348 when he was only eighteen years old. After the death of Urban V the Cardinals unanimously elected him Pope in Avignon in 1370. He died in 1378 in Rome. Pierre Roger De Beaufort was Cardinal of the title of Santa Maria Nova and his name may be referred to in the word Forti. Another interpretation explains the legend as "renovated in spirit through the bold exhortation of the virgin Catherine of Siena". De Inferno Pregnant Urban Vi Bartolomeo Prignano—1378-1389 Bartolomeo was born in Naples in 1318. In 1364 he was consecrated Archbishop and after the death of Gregory XI the Conclave proposed him as candidate for the tiara. He became the first Roman Pope during the Western Schism in 1378. Urban VI is said to have died of poisoning in Rome on the 15th October 1389. Malachy's legend is easily explained here: Urban VI was a Pregnani and a native of a place called Inferno near Naples. Cubus De Mixtione Boniface IX Pietro Tomacelli—1389-1404 Pietro who came from an ancient but impoverished noble family of Naples became the successor to the Roman Pope Urban VI on the 2nd November. The Avignon Pope, Clement VII, at the same time crowned the French Prince Louis of Anagni as King of Naples. He died in Rome on the 1st October 1404. Malachy's prophecy is an allusion to the Pope's coat of arms, which had a bend chegny. De Meliore Sidere Innocent VII Cosma Migliorati—1404-1406 Born in 1336 Cosma became a Papal Delegate to England and in 1387 Archbishop of Ravenna. In 1389 Boniface IX created him Cardinal and on the 17th October 1404 he was elected Pope and took the name of Innocent VII. He died on the 6th November 1406. During his reign he did little for the suppression of the Schism. Malachy's legend is both a play on words referring to the Pope's name and an allusion to his armorial bearings which show a comet. Nauta De Ponte Nigro Gregory XII Angelo Correr—1404-1406 Angelo Correr was born in 1327 in Venice. He became Bishop of Castello and Patriarch of Constantine in 1390. In 1405 he was made Cardinal and after the death of Innocent VII was elected Pope by the Cardinals in Rome on the 30th November 1406. Due to internal strifes Gregory XII resigned in 1415. The Cardinals accepted the resignation and appointed him Bishop of Porto. Two years later, before the election of a new Pope, Martin V, Gregory XII died. Nauta appears to refer to Venice. Gregory XII was also Commendatarius of the Church of Nigripontis. De Cruce Apostolica Clement VII (Antipope) Roberto Dei Conti Del Genevois—1378-1394 Cardinal of the title of the twelve apostles, this Pope's coat of arms shows a cross, quarterly pierced. He is responsible for the Great Schism of the West, a period in the history of the Church which lasted for nearly half a century. Luna Cosmedina Benedict XIII (Antipope) Peter De Luna—1394-1423 This pope was the famous Peter De Luna, Cardinal of the title of St. Mary in Cosmedina, who was born in 1328 and created Cardinal in 1375. He returned to Rome with Gregory XI after whose death he took part in the conclave which was attacked by the Romans and which elected Urban VI. His spiritual director and confessor was the great Vincent Ferrer, who believed him to be the real Pope. When Clement VII died he was unanimously chosen to succeed him. He died in Spain in 1423. Malachy's description refers both to the a
ntipope's name and his coat of arms. Schisma Barchinonicum Clement VIII (Antipope) Gil Sanchez Munoz—1423-1429 This Pope is only recorded in a footnote to the Vatican List. However, Panvinio ranks him among the real Popes but adds "Sedit seu instrusus fun'". He was a Canon of Barcelona to which Malachy's description alludes and died in 1447. [In the same footnote appears the name Bernardo Gamier who claimed the title Benedict XIV between 1425 and 1430.] Flagellum Solis Alexander V (Antipope) Pietro Filargo—1409-1410 Piero, born in 1339, was a homeless begger boy in a Cretan city, knowing neither parents nor relations. He received elementary education from a friar and later entered a Franciscan monastery. Because of his unusual ability he was sent to be educated at Oxford and Paris where he distinguished himself as professor, preacher and writer. Pietro was made Bishop in 1386 and Pope Innocent VII made him a Cardinal in 1405. On the 26th June 1409 he was the unanimous choice of the Cardinals to fill the presumably vacant papal chair. His pontificate was marked by unsuccessful efforts to reach Rome. He died on 3rd May 1410 in Bologna, where he was held prisoner by Cardinal Cossa who succeeded Alexander V as John XXIII, on the 3rd May 1410. Cervus Sirenae John XXIII (Antipope) Baldassarre Cossa—1410-1415 Baldassarre was born in 1370 and was one of the seven Cardinals who, in 1408, deserted Gregory XII and who had pieced themselves under the jurisdiction of Benedict XIII. He became Cardinal in 1402 and Papal Legate in the following year. In 1409 Cossa played an important part in the Council of Pisa and when Popes Gregory XII and Benedict XIII were deposed, he conducted the election of Alexander V who remained entirely under his influence. He died on the 22nd November 1419. Malachy's prophecy is an allusion to the fact that Cossa became Cardinal of the title of St. Eustachius, who has the stag as an emblem. He was born in Naples which has the emblem of the syren. Columna Veli Aurei Martin V Oddone Colonna—1417-1431 Oddone Colonna was born in 1368 and became a Papal Nuncio at various Italian courts under Boniface IX. In 1405 he was made a Cardinal (Velabro). He deserted Pope Gregory XII and participated in the election of the Antipopes Alexander V and John XXIII. The influential family of Colonna had already given twenty-seven Cardinals to the Church, but Martin V was the first to ascend to the Papal throne. The Church was just passing throug
h the most critical period of its history, the great Western Schism. John XXIII had submitted to Pope Martin in 1419 and was given the tide of Cardinal Bishop of Frascati. He died in Rome in 1431. Malachy's prophecy is an allusion to the pope's cardinal title and his family name. Lupa Coelestina Eugene IV Gabriele Condulmer—1431-1447 Gabriele was born at Venice in 1383 and was the nephew of Gregory XII. Although he inherited a vast fortune, he gave it away to the poor and entered a monastery. At the age of twenty-four he was appointed by his uncle as Bishop of Siena. In 1408 he was created Cardinal and became Pope in 1431. He died in Rome in 1447. Malachy refers in his legend to the fact that Eugene IV belonged to the order of the Celestines and also was Bishop of Siena which bears a she-wolf on its arms. Ama Tor Crucis Felix V (Antipope) Amadeus Duke Of Savoy—1439-1449 Amadeus was born in 1383. After the schismatic Council of Basle had declared the rightful pope, Eugene IV, deposed, the Cardinals wished to secure additional influence and financial support by turning to the rich and powerful Prince, the Duke Amadeus VIII of Savoy. After the death of his wife Maria of Burgundy, Duke Amadeus led a life of contemplation, in the company of five knights whom he had formed into the Order of St. Maurice. He was consecrated and crowned by Cardinal d'Allamand in 1440. He submitted in 1449 to Nicholas V from whom he received the title of Cardinal of St. Sabina. He died in 1451. De Modicitate Lunae Nicholas V Tommaso Parentucelli—1447-1455 Tommaso was born in 1397 and acted as the factotum of the Bishop of Bologna for twenty gears. He accompanied the Bishop on many missions and later became the protege of Eugene IV who also entrusted him with other diplomatic tasks, which he carried out with such success that he received the Cardinal's hat in 1446. After the death of Pope Eugene, Parentucelli was elected Pope. He died in Rome in 1455. Malachy's prophecy refers to his place of birth in the diocese of Luna and his humble origin. Bos Pascens Calixtus III Alfonso Borgia—1455-1458 Alfonso was born in 1378 of a noble family and after finishing his studies espoused the cause of Benedict XIII who created him a Canon. He submitted, however, to Martin V who appointed him Bishop of Valencia in 1429 and Eugene IV made him a Cardinal in 1444. In 1455 Alfonso de Borgia was elected Pope. His reign is remarkable for the revision of the tria
l of Joan of Arc, which was carried out by his directions and according to which the sentence of the first court was quashed and her innocence proclaimed. He was probably one of the richest Popes in history and died at Rome in 1458. Malachy's prophecy is an allusion to the Pope's armorial bearing which shows the ox of the Borgias. De Capra Et Albergo Pius II Enea Silvio Piccolomini—1458-1464 This pope was also born of a noble family, in 1405. He received elementary instruction from a priest and entered the University of Siena at the age of eighteen. He became the secretary to Bishop Capranica and later to the antipope Felix V. In 1445 he changed his allegiance and in 1447 became Bishop of Trieste. In 1456 he was created a Cardinal by Calixtus III whom he succeeded as Pope in 1458. He died on the 14th August 1464. Malachy's description has been interpreted as being an allusion to the fact that Pius II had been secretary to Cardinal Capranica and Cardinal Albergato before he was elected Pope. De Cervo Et Leone Paul II PIETRO BARBO—1464-1471 Pietro Barbo, a nephew of Eugene IV, was born in Venice in 1417 and entered the religious profession at the elevation of his uncle to the papacy. He was first Bishop of Cervia and Cardinal of Venice. He succeeded Pius II as Pope in 1464 and died in 1471. Malachy refers to his Bishopric Cervia (stag) and his Cardinal title of St. Mark (lion). Piscator Minorita Sixtus IV Francesco Della Rovere—1471-1484 Francesco was born in 1414. As a child he was placed in a Franciscan monastery because of the poverty of his parents. After filling the post of Procurator of his order in Rome, he was in 1467 created Cardinal by Paul II. He was elected Pope in 1471. His reign was overshadowed by political strifes and quarrels in which members of his family played leading parts and his appointing of men such as Pietro and Girolamo Riario to the highest offices in the Church are blots on his high office. He died in 1484. Francesco was born the son of a fisherman and a member of the Minor Friars. [It is interesting to note that at the time of Malachy this Order did not exist.] Praecursor Siciliae Innocent VIII Giovanni Battista Cibo—1484-1492 Giovanni was born in 1432 and entered the service of the Church after a somewhat licentious youth. In 1467 he became Bishop and in 1484 the successor to Sixtus IV. Great insecurity reigned at Rome during his rule, largely owing to weakness on h
is part in dealing with transgressors. In 1484 he issued his much abused Bull against witchcraft. Constantly confronted with financial difficulties he resorted to the objectionable habit of creating new offices and granting them to the highest bidders. A great number of Papal Bulls were sold during his reign, many of which are considered to be forgeries: among these latter must be placed the permission granted to the Norwegians to celebrate Mass without wine. The only explanation Malachy's interpretors can give is that he spent much time at the court of the King of Sicily. Other explanations appear somewhat far-fetched, such as that the forerunner (Precursor) of Jesus was called John the Baptist which happened to be also the Pope's name. Bos Albanus In Portu Alexander VI Rodrigo Borgia—1492-1503 The young Rodrigo who was born in Spain on the 1st January 1431, had not yet chosen his profession when the elevation of his uncle to the Papacy (1455) opened up new prospects to his ambition. His uncle conferred upon him rich benefices and sent him to study law at the University of Bologna. In 1456 he was made a Cardinal and he held the titles of Cardinal Bishop of Albano and Porto. Towards 1470 began his relations with Venozza Catanei, the mother of this four children: Juan, Caesar, Lucrezia and Jofre. Borgia, by a two-thirds majority which was secured by his own vote, became Pope in 1492, and took the name of Alexander VI. He is probably the only Pope who has never found an apologist in spite of the most grievous accusations against him by his contemporaries. Perhaps the kindest thing one can do is to use the words of Leo the Great (440-461) who had declared in his Malachy's prophecy refers to the pope's armorial bearings and his Cardinal titles of Albano and Porto. De Parvo Homine Pius III Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini—1503 Francesco who was a nephew of Pope Pius II, was born in 1439. He had spent his boyhood in destitute circumstances when his uncle took him into his household, bestowed upon him his family name and arms and took charge of his training and education. His uncle appointed him Archbishop of Siena and in 1460 created him Cardinal. After the death of Alexander VI the Cardinals could not agree on a principal candidate and cast their vote in favour of Piccolomini, who though only 64 years old died after a reign of only 26 days, in 1503. Malachy refers to his family name Piccolomini (parvus homo), in English: little man. Fructus Jovi
s Juvabit Julius II Giuliano Della Rovere—1503-1513 Giuliano della Rovere was born in 1443. He followed his uncle into the Franciscan Order and, after his uncle's elevation to the Papacy as Sixtus IV in 1471, began his public career. In 1471 he was created a Cardinal and held numerous episcopal sees. After the death of Sixtus IV in 1484 Cardinal Rovere played a disreputable role in the election of Innocent VIII. Seeing that his own chances for the Papacy were unfavourable he secured the election of a Pope likely to be a puppet in his hands. After the death of Alexander VI he was again a strong candidate, but he had to allow the sick Piccolomini to become Pope before he was able to secure the Cardinals' votes for himself by bribery and promises. (It was the shortest conclave in the history of the Papacy). Julius II spent money liberally on the erection of magnificent palaces and fortresses. Before he became Pope he was the father of three daughters, one of whom, Felice, he gave in marriage to Giovanni Orsini in 1506. He died in 1513. The Latin legend ( De Craticula Politiana Leo X Giovanni De Medici—1513-1521 Giovanni de' Medici was born in 1475 son of Lorenzo de' Medici (the Magnificent) and appointed a Cardinal at the age of thirteen. His educator and mentor was the most distinguished humanist and scholar, Angelo Politiano. In 1494 he had to flee his native city in the habit of a Franciscan monk and made several fruitless attempts to restore the supremacy of his family in Florence. The Medicis returned to favour in 1512 and in 1513 Giovanni, then thirty-seven years old, was elected Pope. During his reign he spent nearly five million ducats and left his successor with a debt of nearly half a million ducats. His creditors faced financial ruin and contemporary publications proclaim "Leo X has consumed three pontificates, the treasure of Julius II, the revenues of his own reign and those of his successor". He died at Rome in 1521. " Leo Florenti(n)us Adrian VI Adriano Florensz—1522-1523 He is the only Pope of modern times, except Marcellus II, who retained his baptismal name. Born of humble parentage in Utrecht in 1459, his education was sponsored by his mother and also Margaret of Burgundy. In 1506 he became the tutor to the grandson of Emperor Maximillian, the future Charles V. Within the next decade he became Bishop, Grand Inquisitor, Cardinal an
d finally Regent of Spain. In 1522 the Cardinals elected him unanimously to succeed Pope Leo X. Adrian VI died on the 14th September 1523. Malachy's legend refers to his family name and to the fact that two lions adorn his arms. Flos Pilei Aegri Clement VII Giulio De Medici—1523-1534 Born in 1478 a few days after the death of his father, Giulio was educated by his uncle Laurence the Magnificent. After his cousin's elevation to the Papacy as Leo X, many honours were bestowed upon him and in 1513 he was made a Cardinal. After Adrian's death Cardinal de' Medici was eventually chosen Pope. He was an Italian Prince, a diplomat first and a spiritual ruler afterwards. He died in 1534. Flos Pilei Aegri is a reference to the Pope's armorial bearings; on his arms were six torteaux, the top one of which was charged with three fleurs-de-lis. It is during this Pope's reign that the divorce of Katherine of Aragon and Henry VIII's revolt against the Church took place. Hyacinthus Medicorum Paul III Alessandro Farnese—1534-1549 Alessandro was born at Rome in 1468 of an ancient Roman family with a long tradition of service to the Church. His grandfather was commander-in-chief of Papal troops under Eugene IV. Alessandro had an excellent education and with such advantages as birth and talent his advancement in the Church was assured and rapid. In 1493 Alexander VI created him a Cardinal with the title of St. Cosmas and Damian. He was a Cardinal for over forty years and finally became Dean of the Sacred College. In 1534 the conclave proclaimed him successor to Clement VII without the formality of a ballot. During his reign a number of religious orders were founded, of which the Jesuits and Ursulines are the best known. He died in 1549. Earlier interpreters give the Pope's arms as charged with six hyacinths. He was also Cardinal of the title of St. Cosmas and Damian, who were both doctors. Malachy's legend appears to refer to these two facts. De Corona Montana Julius III Giammaria M. Ciocchi Del Monte—1550-1555 Giammaria was born on the 10th September 1487 and studied under the Dominicans. In 1512 he succeeded his uncle Antonio del Monte as Archbishop of Siponto. Under Clement VII he was twice appointed Prefect of Rome and after the sack of the City (1527) was one of the hostages given by Clement VII to the Imperialists. Paul III created him a Cardinal in 1536 and he became the successor to that Pope in 1550 after a conclave of ten weeks. His inactivity during the last three years of his pontificate was caused by frequent and severe attacks of gout. The great blemish in his reign was
Nepotism: shortly after his accession he created a youth of seventeen, whom he had picked up in the streets of Palma, a Cardinal. He was also extremely lavish in bestowing ecclesiastical honours and benefices upon his relatives. On the 23rd March 1555 he died in Rome. Malachy's legend refers to the Pope's armorial bearings: his arms showed laurel crowns and mountains. Frumentum Floccidum Marcellus II Marcello Cervini—1555 Marcello was born in 1501 and had a spectacular career as Papal secretary, which position offered him great influence in the papal Curia. Pope Paul III created him a Cardinal in 1539. In 1545 he was appointed one of the three Presidents of the Council of Trent and in 1548 he became Librarian of the Vatican. He was also Bishop of Nicastro and Reggio. After the death of Julius III the thirty-nine Cardinals of the conclave elected Cardinal Cervini to the papacy; however, he died after a reign of only twenty-two days. Palestrina entitled one of his famous polyphonic masses De Fide Petri Paul IV Giovanni Pietro Caraffa—1555-1559 The family into which Giovanni was born in 1476 was one of the most illustrious in Naples and he was introduced to the Papal court in 1494 by his famous uncle Cardinal Oliviero Caraffa. Leo X appointed him Ambassador to England and also retained him as Nuncio in Spain. In 1536 he became Cardinal and later Archbishop of Naples. In 1555 he was elected Pope and Nepotism once again reigned supreme. Editor's Note Onoviro Panvinio, the historian, died at Palermo on the 7th April, 1568. Pope Paul IV is the last Pope mentioned in his epitome. With his death, the prophecies of St. Malachy lose an interpreter of great stature. In his lifetime Panvinio had collected with meticulous thoroughness many details and historical facts about the Popes' lives; he often supplied armorial bearings of the Popes' family and facts which were of the greatest help to other interpreters of Malachy. During his unfortunate reign occurred the final break between the Church of Rome and England. His pontificate was a great disappointment: he who at the beginning was honoured by a public statue lived to see it thrown down and mutilated by the hostile population of Rome. On the 18th August 1559 he died, and was buried in St. Peters, but his body was later transferred to another church. Paul IV appears to have been better known by his Christian name Pietro; Caraffa is derived from the Latin Aesculapii Pharmacum Pius IV Giovanni Angelo De Medici—1559-1565 This pope was born at Milan in 1499. The Medicis of Milan lived in very humble circumstances and the proud house of Florence of the same name claimed no kindred with them until Cardinal Medici was seated on the Papal throne. After his studies in his twenty eighth year he went to Rome where his talents were appreciated by successive Popes. In the last year of Paul III's reign he was created a Cardinal and Julius III appointed him Commander of the Papal troops. His hostility towards Paul IV worked out to his advantage because the conclave which had assembled to elect that Pope's successor voted for the man who in every respect was Paul's opposite. By acclamation he was pronounced Pope in 1560. He died in 1565. Malachy's legend appears to be a reference to the Pope's family name, but most interpreters point out that the young Medici had studied medicine and was a qualified doctor. Angelus Nemorosus Pius V Antonio Michele Ghisleri—1566-1572 Born of a poor family in 1504 Antonio was educated by the Dominicans and entered that religious order in 1528. Pope Paul IV made him a Bishop in 1556 and a Cardinal in 1557. In the same year he was appointed Inquisitor General for all Christendom. When Pius IV wished to admit a thirteen year old boy into the Sacred College, Cardinal Ghisleri opposed and defeated the Pope and his plans. In 1566 he was elected Pontiff. He died in 1572. During his reign he excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I of England and wrote a letter to Mary Stuart in prison. The Latin legend refers to the Pope's Christian name Michele (Angelus) and his birthplace (Bosco) Lombardy. It is important to realise that a number of interpreters of the prophecies were Italians, for some prophecies contain a play upon Italian words. They are unfortunately never explained. It is important to note that Italian interpreters never give an explanation when the prophecies contain a play upon Italian words. This occurs quite frequency. Medium Corpus Pilarum Gregory XIII Ugo Boncompagni—1572-1585 Ugo was born at Bologna in 1502. He studied law and was appointed Judge of the Capitol by Pope Paul III. Paul IV appointed him a Bishop and Pius IV created him a Cardinal in 1564. After the death of Pius V in 1572 he was elected Pope. His main efforts were concentrated on restoring the Catholic faith in those countries that had become Protestant. Historians have severely criticised Gregory XIII for the massacre of the Huguenots on St. Bartholomew's day in 1572. No other act of Gregory XIII has gained for him
a more lasting fame than his reform of the Julian calendar which was introduced in 1578. He died at Rome in 1585. Malachy's interpreters give as an explanation for Axis In Medietate Signi Sixtus V Felice Peretti—1585-1590 Felice was born the son of a gardener in 1521 and it is said of him that as a boy he worked as a swineherd. When nine years old he joined a convent where he was educated and ordained Priest in 1547. He soon became famous as a preacher and Pope Pius IV appointed him Counsellor to the Inquisition at Venice. In 1566 he was created a Bishop by Pius V and in 1570 Cardinal. In 1585 he was elected Pope after a conclave of four days. After a reign of five years he died in 1590. Malachy's prophecy is a straightforward allusion to the Pope's coat of arms. De Rore Coeli Urban VII Giovanni Battista Castagna—1590 Giovanni Battista was born at Rome in 1521 and was a nephew of Cardinal Jacovazzi. He studied civil and canon law and graduated as a doctor of both. In 1553 he was appointed Archbishop of Rossano and Julius III sent him as Governor to Fano in 1555. In 1573 he resigned his See and Gregory XIII sent him as Nuncio to Venice. In 1583 he was made a Cardinal. Three years later he became Inquisitor General of the Holy Office. He was elected Pope in 1590, on the 15th September, and his reign lasted only 13 days. He died on the 27th September 1590. Urban VII had been Bishop of Rossano in Calabria where manna called "the dew of heaven" is gathered. (Manna is a sweetish secretion from many trees-as the Manna Ash etc.). Ex Antiquitate Urbis Gregory XIV Niccolo Sfondrati—1590-1591 Niccolo was born near Milan in 1553. His father Francisco, a Milanese senator, was, after the death of his wife, created a Cardinal by Pope Paul III in 1544. Niccolo was ordained priest and then appointed Bishop of Cremona in 1560. Gregory XIII created him Cardinal Priest of Santa Cecilia in 1583. In 1590 he succeeded Urban VII as Pope. He died in 1591. Pia Civitas In Bello Innocent IX Giovanni Antonio Facchinetti—1591 Born in 1519 Giovanni became secretary to a Roman Cardinal and in 1560 Bishop. In 1575 he was appointed Patriarch of Jerusalem and in 1583 created Cardinal of the title of the Four Crowned Martyrs. During the reign of Gregory XIV much of the burden of the Papal administration rested on his shoulders and on the Pontiff's death he was raised to the Papacy. He died in 1591. Malachy's legend obviously refers to the city of Jerusalem of which the Cardinal was Patriarch before succeeding to the Papacy. Crux Romulea Clement VIII Ippolito Aldobrandini—1592-1605 Ippolito was born in 1536. His career was spectacular and he became Cardinal in 1585. His spiritual mentor had been Phillip Neri who remained his confessor for over thirty years. On his elevation to the Papacy Baronius became the Pope's confessor. He died in 1605. The adjective Romulus, meaning Roman, is also mentioned in one of the hymns of the Breviary. The Pope's coat of arms show an embattled bend which is also referred to as a Roman cross. Abbe Cucherat refers to the "cross of Ireland" Clement VIII had to bear at this time because she remained faithful to Rome. There has always been a very special regard for this Pope by the Irish. [During this Pope's reign the twenty-six martyrs of Japan were crucified; their canonisation was reserved for the Pope to whom Malachy had given the description Undosus VII Leo XI Alessandro Ottaviano De Medici—1605 De Medici was born at Florence in 1535. He became ambassador to Pius V, representing the Duke of Tuscany, which position he held for fifteen years. Gregory XIII made him a Bishop in 1573, Archbishop of Florence in 1574 and Cardinal in 1583. After the death of Clement VIII he was elected Pope, but he died twenty-seven days after his election in 1605. It has been suggested that Malachy referred to the Pope's short reign. Although not borne out by his Papal coat of arms " Gens Perversa Paul V Camillo Borghese—1605-1621 Born in 1550 Camillo's career in the Church was not spectacular. In 1596 he was made a Cardinal by Clement VIII and was appointed Cardinal Vicar of Rome. He was elected Pope in 1605. In 1606 Paul V wrote a letter to James I of England, congratulating him on his succession to the throne, expressing his grief about the plot recently made against the monarch's life and begging the King of England not to make the innocent Catholics suffer for the crime of a few. He promised to exhort all the governors of the realm to be submissive and loyal to their sovereign in all things not opposed to the honour of God. Unfortunately the oath of allegiance demanded by James of his subjects contained clauses which had to be solemnly condemned by the Pope in 1607. This condemnation occasioned the bitter dissension between the monarchy and those governors who submitted to the decision of the Pope. Pope Paul V died in 1621. The most obvious explanation of Malachy's legend is an allusion to the Pope's armorial bearings which show a dragon and an eagle. These were often referred to as the In Tribulatione Pacis Gregory XV Alessandro Ludovisi—1621-1623 Alessandro was born in 1554, and became a Judge of the Capitol. In 1612 Paul V appointed him Archbishop of Bologna and it was he who, as Nuncio to Savoy, had to mediate between the Duke of Savoy and King Philip of Spain. In 1616 he was created Cardinal and he was elected successor to Pope Paul V in 1621. The relations between England and the Roman See assumed a more friendly character during his pontificate and Gregory XV was respected by the rulers of the continent, not only in religious affairs but also in matters of a purely political nature. He died in 1623. Malachy's prophecy is an obvious reference to the Pope's activities as Nuncio which were mainly concerned with the restoration of disturbances which might well have lead to wars. It is true to say that all the prophecies since Urban VII (1590) are somewhat vague; this has lead critics of the prophecies to suggest that they were indeed forgeries of Cardinal Simon Celli. Lilium Et Rosa Urban VIII Matted Barberini—1623-1644 He was born in 1568 and educated under the Jesuits. In 1601 he was appointed Papal Legate to France and in 1604 Archbishop of Nazareth. Later he was sent as Nuncio to Paris and in 1606 he was made a Cardinal by Paul V. He was elected Pope in 1623 and throughout his reign he concerned himsel
f with the affairs of France and England. He died in 1644. There have been many interpretations of Malachy's legend which appear to be a reference to armorial bearings. There is no doubt that his particular interest in the affairs of France (fleur de lis) and England (the rose) seems the most obvious explanation. Jucunditas Crucis Innocent X Giovanni Battista Pamphilj—1644-1655 Born in 1574 he became Nuncio at Naples and a Cardinal in 1626. He was elected Pope in 1644. He died in 1655. It is interesting to note that Innocent X was raised to the Pontificate after a long and difficult Conclave on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Montium Custos Alexander VII Fabio Chigi—1655-1667 Fabio was born in 1599 of one of the most illustrious and powerful Italian families. He entered upon his ecclesiastical career in 1626 and held many posts and responsibilities. In 1651 he became Secretary of State to Innocent X who made him a Cardinal in 1652. In the Conclave of 1655, which lasted eighty days and which is famous for the clash of nation and faction, Chigi was unanimously elected Pope. He died in 1667. Malachy's legend is an obvious allusion to the Pope's armorial bearings. Sydus Olorum Clement IX Giulio Rospigliosi—1667-1669 Born in 1600 Giulio enjoyed the special favour of Urban VIII who made him Archbishop of Tarsus and sent him as Nuncio to the Spanish Court. In 1657 Alexander VII appointed him Cardinal and ten years later he was elected to the See of St. Peter. In 1668 he declared Rose of Lima to be the first American Saint. He died at Rome in December 1669. The Pope's family came originally from Lombardy where its ancient history is well recorded. The De Flumine Magno Clement X Emilio Altieri—1670-1676 Emilio was born in 1590, and had a quite unspectacular career in the Church. Clement IX created him Cardinal when he was in his eighties. Unable to secure the election of any of the prominent candidates the Cardinals, after a Conclave of nearly five months, decided on electing a Cardinal of advanced years. Thus Clement X became pontiff. He died in 1676. Malachy
's prophecy concerning this Pope has two possible interpretations: Clement X was born at Rome and in July 1590 the unusual phenomena of the Tiber overflowing its banks is given in Moreri's interpretations of the prophecies. The other explanation is that Malachy's reference is simply a play on words concerning the Pope's name which was Altieri (Alto Reo-a deep river); however, the latter appears to be rather obscure. Bellua Insatiabilis Innocent XI Benedetto Odescalchi—1676-1689 Born in 1611. Benedetto was created a Cardinal by Innocent X. He was a strong candidate for the Papacy after the death of Clement IX, but the French Government rejected him. After the death of Clement X, King Louis XIV of France again intended to use his real influence against Cardinal Odescalchi's election, but the King yielded to the pressure of the Conclave and after an interregnum of two months he was unanimously elected in 1676 to the Papacy. He died in 1689. Malachy's legend may be a reference to the Pope's armorial bearings which show a lion and a bird of prey both of which had the reputation of being insatiable beasts. However, contemporary interpreters gave a different explanation of Poenitentia Gloriosa Alexander VIII Pietro Ottoboni—1689-1691 Pietro Ottoboni was born in 1610. He enjoyed all the wealth and social position of a descendant of one of the most noble families of Venice. He was made a Cardinal in 1652 and elected to the Papacy in 1689. He died in 1691. Cucherat thinks that the prophecy refers to the submission and consequent repentance of the Gallican Bishops. Rastrum In Porta Innocent XII Antonio Pignatelli—1691-1700 Born in 1615 Antonio entered the Roman Curia at the age of twenty. In 1682 he was made a Cardinal and in 1687 Archbishop of Naples. As a compromise the Conclave chose Cardinal Pignatelli to succeed Alexander VIII. He died in 1700 It is difficult to find a satisfactory explanation for this legend. Flores Circumdati Clement XI Giovanni Francesco Albani—1700-1721 Giovanni was born in 1649 and at the age of twenty-eight was made a Prelate. In 1690 he was created a Cardinal and the Conclave of 1700 chose him, after deliberating for forty-six days, to be the successor to Innocent XII. He died in 1721. Urbino, the city where the Pope was born, has a garland of flowers on its coat of arms. It is interesting to note that during the reign of Clement XI a coin was struck and on the exergue were the words "Flores Circumdati". There is no doubt that those who had the medal struck must have been mindful of the prophecies of Malachy which had become not only common property since 1595, but were extremely popular at that time. De Bona Religione Innocent XIII Michelangelo Dei Conti—1721-1724 He was born in 1655, the son of Carlo II, Duke of Poli. He was created a Cardinal in 1706 and held various offices until in 1721 he was elected Pope in a stormy Conclave. He died in 1724. This Pope belonged to the famous Conti family which has given so many Popes to the Church. Malachy's legend could therefore be translated "Of a good religious family". This explanation is shared by many medieval interpreters. Miles In Bello Benedict XIII Pietro Francesco Orsini—1724-1730 Born in 1649, he entered the Dominican order at the age of sixteen against the will of his parents. They appealed in vain to Clement IX. At the age of twenty-one he was promoted to a professorship and in 1672 elevated to the position of Cardinal. In 1686 a serious illness caused his transfer to Benevento where he remained for thirty eight years until he was elected Pope in 1724. His first concern as Pope was to enforce rigidly ecclesiastical discipline and he was unsparing in his efforts to abolish luxury and worldly pomp among the Cardinals. Malachy's legend has always been interpreted to refer to the Pope's constant battle against the pomp and worldly interests of the Curia. Columna Excelsa Clement XII Lorenzo Corsini—1730-1740 Lorenzo was born in 1652 and the number of members of his family who had risen to high positions in the Church is innumerable. In 1691 he became Archbishop and Nuncio of Vienna. In 1756 he was created a Cardinal and made Papal Treasurer. His elevation to the Papacy in 1730 caused no surprise. In the second year of his Pontificate he became totally blind. He died in his eighty-eighth year in 1740. Cucherat interprets the prophecy as an all
usion to a bronze statue erected by the Romans to this Pope's memory. The Pope also built a chapel in St. John Lateran's where he wished to be buried. Two of the columns in this chapel formally adorned the portico of the Pantheon of Agrippa. This is another of Cucherat's attempts at explanation. A reference Columna is usually an allusion to the fact that one of the Colonna family would succeed to the Papacy. Animal Rurale Benedict XIV Prospero Lorenzo Lambertini—1740-1758 Prospero was born in 1675 and at the age of nineteen he received the degrees of Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Canon and Civil Law. In 1727 he was made Bishop and in 1728 Cardinal. When Clement XII died the Conclave lasted for six months and the election then seemed no nearer than at the beginning. Cardinal Lambertini, who had been proposed as a compromise, addressed the Conclave saying: "If you wish to elect a saint, choose Gotti; a statesman, Aldabrandini; an honest man, elect me". Lambertini was chosen and. took the name of Benedict XIV. He died in 1758. There appears to be no reason for interpreting the legend as an allusion to the Pope's armorial bearings. Interpreters stress the fact that the Pope wrote away at his desk like a "plodding ox", which, according to the old writers, was typical of the persevering steady worker. (St. Thomas Aquinas was called the dumb ox by his fellow students because he fed his mind and ruminated silently.) Rosa Umbriae Clement XIII Carlo Rezzonico—1758-1769 Carlo was born at Venice in 1693 and became Bishop of Padua in 1743. In 1747 he became a Cardinal and in 1758 he was elected Pope. He died in 1769. The interpretations given to Malachy's legend appear somewhat far fetched; however, during his Pontificate he raised to the dignity of saints a great number of persons belonging to the Franciscan order, mystically called Ursus Velox Clement XIV Lorenzo (or Giovanni Vincenzo Antonio) Ganganelli—1769-1774 He was born in 1705. He received his education from the Jesuits of Rimini and at the age of nineteen he entered the order of the Franciscans. Clement XIII gave him the Cardinal's hat in 1759 and the Conclave of 1769 chose him to succeed Clement XIII. Under his pontificate the Jesuits were suppressed. He died in 1774. Without producing any evidence, the American interpreter Robb states that the Pope's family coat of arms showed a running bear. However, with the death of Panvinio we lose much of the informations which helps earlier interpreters. Wion, O'Kelly and Cucherat try in vain to give a reasonable explanation of this legend. There is no bear in the arms
of the Pope and to my mind it is unlikely that the imminent French revolution is typified in Malachy's description. This is again one of the instances where any interpretation would be purely guess work. Peregrinus Apostolicus Pius VI Giovanni Angelico Braschi—1775-1799 Giovanni was born in 1717. He became Papal secretary in 1755 and Clement XIV made him a Cardinal in 1755. After this, he retired to the Abbey of Subiaco (of which he was Abbot) until his election in the same year. He died in 1799. The legend is usually explained by the well known facts of the Pope's life. His extremely long Pontifical reign had led contemporary writers to refer to him as the Apostolic Pilgrim on Earth. Aquila Rapax Pius VII Barnaba Chiaramonti—1800-1823 This pope was born in 1740 and his elevation to the Papacy was foretold, as Pius VII himself later related, by his mother, who in 1763 had entered the convent of Carmelites. Pius VI created him a Cardinal in 1786 and the Conclave elected him Pope in 1800. He died in 1823. The Pope's pontificate was overshadowed by Napoleon whose emblem was the eagle. Canis Et Coluber Leo XII Annibale Della Genoa—1823-1829 Born in 1760, Annibale became a Priest at the age of only twenty-three. In 1820 he was made Vicar of Rome and after Pius VII's death was elected to the Papacy. He died in 1829. I think is fair to say that if the order of two successive Popes could be reversed, the allusion to armorial bearings would fit perfectly. What better description for Leo XII than that which was given to Pius VII "Aquila Rapax" and how perfect would Pius VII have been described with the legend "Custus Montium" or "Crux de Cruce", if chance would have had it so. Contrary to popular belief, the original manuscript of the Prophecies of Malachy has not been found in the Vatican Library. His Excellency Archbishop Cardinale instigated a thorough search for the manuscript at the Vatican. The sad fact is that there is no record of this manuscript being there or having been there. The many publications and additions to Malachy's prophecies since the middle of the sixteenth century do not concur exactly with the order of the Popes, particularly during the reigns of the antipopes. It is also reasonable to assume that the interpreters have relied largely on the works of their predecessors, adopting the same order of succession. As matters stand Malachy's prophecy concerning Leo XII may be a reference to two of the Pope's most outstanding virtues: vigilance, which one associates with a dog; and prudence, commonly associated with the serpent. Vir Religiosus Pius VIII Francesco Saverio Castiglioni—1829-1830 Francesco was born in 1761 and attended a Jesuit school. In 1800 Pius VII appointed him Bishop of Moltalto and he held various episcopal sees. As early as the Conclave of 1823 Castiglioni was among the candidates for the Papacy. Cardinal Wiseman relates that this Pope's elevation to the Papacy, as well as the name he was to assume, was predicted by Pius VII for, on a certain occasion, the Pope addressed Cardinal Castiglioni and said, "Your Holiness Pius VIII may one day settle this matter". At the election of 1829 he succeeded Pius VII and he died on the 1st December 1830. Malchy's legend may refer to the fact (Religiosus) that the Pope had come from a family which was well known for its deep faith and that he was not the first Pope this family had given to the Church. Other interpreters have taken De Balneis Etruriae Gregory XVI Mauro, or Bartolomeo Alberto Cappellari—1831-1846 Mauro was born in 1765 and upon entering the Camaldolese Monastery of San Michele di Murano took the name Mauro. Three years later he was professed and ordained priest in 1787. In 1800 Dom Mauro became Abbot. In 1825 Leo XII created him Cardinal and Prefect of the Congregation and Propaganda. Following the death of Pope Pius VIII he was elected to the See of St. Peter in 1831. He died in 1846. Gregory XVI started his religious life in the order of Camaldolese which was founded in the thirteenth century in a locality called in Latin Crux De Cruce Pius IX Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti—1846-1878 Giovanni Maria was born in 1792 and was admitted to the Pope's noble court in 1814. He was refused admission to the priesthood on the grounds that he suffered from epilepsy and proceeded to study theology at the Roman Seminary. His health was completely restored by 1819 when he was ordained Priest. By 1827 he was created Archbishop and in 1840 he was made a Cardinal. In 1846, two weeks after the death of Gregory XVI, Cardinal Mastai Ferretti was elected Pope. The loss of his temporal power was only one of the many trials that filled the long pontificate of Pius IX. There was scarcely a country where the rights of the Church were not infringed upon. In many countries church proper
ty was confiscated, religious orders were expelled and Bishops imprisoned or banished. The height of these disturbances was reached during the Kulturkampf inaugurated in 1873. Pius IX is well remembered for ordaining to important ecclesiastical positions only such men as were famous for both piety and learning. Among the great Cardinals created by him were Wiseman and Manning for England, Cullen for Ireland and McCloskey for the United States. On the 29th September 1850 he re-established the Catholic hierarchy in England by erecting the Archdiocese of Westminster with twelve Suffragan Sees. He died in Rome on the 7th February 1878. Although a reference to the cross reoccurs frequently in the prophecies, there is little doubt that Pius IX had to bear the heaviest cross yet to be inflicted upon the Papacy. The temporal powers of the Church had been drastically curtailed and the influence of the spiritual leader of the Catholic world reduced. There is no doubt that the House of Savoy, whose emblem is a cross, added greatly to the afflictions of this Pope. Lumen In Coelo Leo XIII Gioacchino Pecci—1878-1903 Gioacchino was born in 1810 and became a Priest in 1837. In 1843 he was appointed a Nuncio and consecrated Archbishop. In 1853 Pius IX made him a Cardinal. The Conclave of 1878 elected him Pope. Among the instances of Leo XIII's influence in the English speaking world may be mentioned the elevation of John Henry Newman to the Cardinalate, the beatification of forty English martyrs, two Encyclicals This is the first of Malachy's legends since 1590 which appears to be a straightforward allusion to the Pope's armorial bearings which shows a blazing star in his coat of arms. The same blazing comet has occurred already in the arms of Innocent VII and the prophet refers to it as " Ignis Ardens Pius X Giuseppe Sarto—1903-1914 Giuseppe was born in 1835 and was ordained in 1858. In 1884 he was appointed Bishop of Mantoa and in 1893 he became Patriarch of Venice and a Cardinal. He was probably the most zealous propagandist of his time. Before all else, his efforts were directed to the promotion of piety among the faithful. After the death of Leo XIII Cardinal Sarto was elected Pope.
He died in 1914. Without wishing to over-stress the point, " Religio Depopulata Benedict XV Giacomo Della Chiesa—1914-1922 Born in 1854 he spent most of his life in the diplomatic service. In 1907 he became Archbishop of Bologna and in 1914 Cardinal and Pope. During the First World War the Pope made many attempts to bring about peace and to relieve suffering. He died in 1922. The years of Pope Benedict's reign were overshadowed by the death of millions of Christians in World War I. 1917 saw the beginning of the Russian revolution which brought about the end of religious life in this formerly most Christian country. Fides Intrepida Pius XI Achille Ratti—1922-1939 Achille Ratti was born in 1857. He was appointed Prefect of the Vatican Library in 1914, Papal Nuncio to Poland in 1919 and Cardinal Archbishop of Milan in 1921. Elevated to the Papacy in 1922 he faced the rise of Fascism and Communism in the Western world. He died in 1939. Recent publications of Vatican documents show the tremendous pressure which was put on this Pope by the dictators of Italy and Germany. Again one could say that it was the Pope's " Pastor Angelicus Pius XII Eugenio Pacelli—1939-1958 Born in 1876 Eugenio Pacelli spent most of his career in the diplomatic service. From 1917 until 1929 he was Nuncio in Germany and in 1930 he became Cardinal Secretary of State. His elevation to the Papacy in 1939 was a matter of formality because no other person could have followed in the steps of his predecessor more aptly. Pius XII died in 1958. Recent publications, particularly that by Pinchas Lapide ( Pastor Et Nauta Pastor and mariner John XXIII Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli—1958-1963 Born in 1881 Giuseppe Roncalli spent many years as Apostolic Delegate and Nuncio in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and France. In 1953 he was created a Cardinal and appointed Patriarch of Venice and in 1958 the Conclave elected him Pope. In 1962 he convened the second Vatican Council and his Encyclical Pope John was the pastor of the world and perhaps more loved by Catholics and non-Catholics alike than any other Pope in history. Malachy's legend During the conclave the rumour circulated in Rome that Cardinal Spellman of New York, who was known to be very interested in the Prophecies of Malachy, had hired a boat, filled it with sheep and sailed up and down the river Tiber. Flos Florum Paul VI Giovanni Battista Montini—1963- Born in 1897 he worked with his predecessors in the papal Secretariat of State and became Pro-Secretary of State in 1952. He was appointed Archbishop of Milan and Cardinal in 1958. In 1963 the Conclave elected him Pope. Malachy's legend appears to be an obvious allusion to the Pope's armorial bearings which show three fleurs-de-lis. The following four prophecies have still to be fulfilled: De Medietate Lunae This may be both an allusion to armorial bearings as well as an indication of some great event concerning those whose religious life is lived under the sign of the half moon. The speculations in which one could engage here are numerous, particularly at a time when the Middle East situation might well prove to be the most dangerous threat to peace in the present times. Such a conflict might well lead to a "Holy War" which would be fought under the half moon and would have devastating effects and repercussions on Muslim and Christians alike. De Labore Solis The election of this Pope will probably take place within the next two decades. It is difficult to decide on an interpretation because the two different translations given above allow for two entirely different trends of thought. In the introduction I have already dismissed the possibility of Malachy's legend being a reference to Matthew, ch. 24 vv. 5-29, and as I have said before, this may well be an allusion to the armorial bearings of the person to be elected. However, in order to interpret Malachy's legend, if it were to be translated "of the eclipse of the sun", I have made some enquiries concerning those full eclipses of the sun between 1970 and 1990 and discovered that there will be sixteen eclipses within those twenty years. Eclipses are far too numerous to exclude ambiguity. The question here would be where this eclipse could be seen. Somehow it is unlikely that the place of the Conclave (Rome) qualifies, because the next eclipse visible in Central and Southern Europe will not take place until the 11th August 1999. However, if for example the Pope after next had been born in America in 1900, 1904, 1908, 1916, 1918 or 1925 and was to be elected to the See of St. Peter in 1972, 1977, 1979, 1981 or 1984, the coincidence of having been born and elected under a full eclipse of the sun visible in his country of origin would certainly be remarkable, although, in my opinion, not conclusive. One could narrow the margin even more to the actual day of the eclipse which, of course, would be striking if it were to happen in that manner. I am therefore convinced there must be a youngish bishop bearing the blazing sun, probably amongst other heraldic devices, in his coat of arms. However, it stands to reason that it will not be the sun but his qualification and piety which will be the decisive factors that cause the Sacred College to elect him as successor to St. Peter. Gloria Olivae Olive branch has always been associated with peace and this description might have been most fittingly applied to Pope Pius XII as a reference to his coat of arms. There is little doubt that this legend can be more easily explained in the future than the one before. Some medieval interpreters have gone out of their way to stress that Malachy in his prophecies does not specifically mention that no Popes shall reign between The Order of St. Benedict has claimed by tradition that this pope will come from within the Order. St. Benedict himself has prophecied that before the end of the world comes about, his Order will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil. The Order of St. Benedict is also known as the Olivetans, which may well account for another interpretation of the prophecy. Petrus Romanus The final legend is self-explanatory and Malachy concludes his short but fascinating prophecies as follows: "In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock among many tribulations; after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abbot From Suburra
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) From a white country
(b) Of the Alban country
(2)
(3) A confirmation of the letter of investiture by Alexander III in 1159.
(4) Three letters of Alexander III in 1172 which confirm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the guardian goose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From The Loathsome Prison
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Road Beyond The Tiber
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Hungary of Tusciae
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The light at the door.
(b) The light in Ostium
(c) A light in the gate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A sow in a sieve
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sword of Lawrence
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) He shall go forth from the school
(b) He will come out of a school
(c) Departed from school
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) From the Bovensian Territory
(b) From the cattle country
(c) From the country of Bovis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A signed Count (Conti-Segni)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) A Canon from the side
(b) Canon of Lateran
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bird of Ostia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sabinian Lion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) A sign of Ostia
(b) The standard of Ostia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jerusalem of Champagne
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The dragon crushed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The man of the serpent
(b) A snake-like man
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A French Preacher
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Good Count
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Tuscan Fisherman
(a) The Modest Rose
(b) The Rose Composite
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) From the office of Martin of the lilies
(b) From the receipt of custom of Martin of the lilies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Leonine Rose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A woodpecker among the food
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Elevated from the desert
(b) The lofty one from the desert
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From a blessing of the waves
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A preacher from patara
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) From the ditches of aquitaine
(b) From the aquitanian fesses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the shoemaker of Osse
-----------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
A schismatical crow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cold Abbot
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Rose of Arras
------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
From the mountains of Pammachius
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A French Viscount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A new man from a strong virgin [Motto also given as "Nova de virgine fortis]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The Pregnani from hell
(b) From the hell of Pregnani
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Square Of Mixtu
re
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From a better star
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) A sailor from a black bridge
(b) The manner of Negropont
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Apostolic Cross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Moon of Cosmedin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Schism of Barcelona
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The lash of the sun
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Stag of the Syren
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The pillar with the golden veil
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Coelestinian she-wolf
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A lover of the Cross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prom the littleness of the moon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) an ox feeding
(b) a bull browsing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Another version reads Cupra)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From a stag and a lion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Minorite Fisherman
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The Precursor of Sicily
(b) The forerunner from Sicily
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Alban bull at the port
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From a little man
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fruit of Jupiter will help
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From a Politian "gridiron"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The lion of Florence
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The flower of the ball
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hyacinth of physicians
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of the mountain crown
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Hairy grain
(b) Useless corn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of the faith of Peter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
(a) The medicine of Aesculapius
(b) The AEsculapius of doctors
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The angel of the wood
(b) The angel of Bosco
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An axis in the midst of the sign
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the dew of heaven
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the old city
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The pious city at war
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Roman cross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) A billowy man
(b) Disappearing like the waves of the sea
---------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The wicked race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the disturbance of peace
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The lily and the rose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The joy of the cross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The guardian of the hills
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) A star of the swans
(b) The constellation of swans
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the great river
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An insatiable beast
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glorious repentance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rake of the door
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Surrounded with flowers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From a good religious background
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The soldier in battle
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A lofty pillar
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal of the field
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rose of Umbria
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The swift bear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The pilgrim pope
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A rapacious eagle
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A dog and a serpent
-----------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
A religious man
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the baths of Etruria
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cross from a cross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A light in the sky
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The burning fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Religion laid waste
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unshaken faith
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An angelic shepherd
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flower of flowers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of the half moon
------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
(a) From the toil of the sun
(b) Of the eclipse of the sun
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The glory of the olive
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
投稿コメント全ログ
コメント即時配信
スレ建て依頼
削除コメント確認方法
題名には必ず「阿修羅さんへ」と記述してください。
掲示板,ＭＬを含むこのサイトすべての
一切の引用、転載、リンクを許可いたします。確認メールは不要です。
引用元リンクを表示してください。