Well, it’s since come to light courtesy of Discovery News that a 12th Century prophecy states that there will be only 112 Popes before the last Judgement. Did you know that Benedict XVI is pope number 111?
The prophecy itself originated with Saint Malachy, who recorded a list of future popes and made other predictions based on a vision he claims to have received from God. A number of his prophecies have come true, but it’s difficult to rule out causation through subliminal knowledge vs actual prophecy.
Malachy predicts that the next Pope shall be called Peter the Roman and he will be the last of the popes and “feed his flock amid many tribulations after which the city of the seven hills shall be utterly destroyed, and the awful judge will judge the people”.
Pretty dark stuff, eh?
Addendum
Apparently I have trouble reading sometimes. I had it pointed out to me that there have been well over 200 Popes. It turns out it actually refers to Malachy’s 112 predicted popes. Benedict is #111 on that list. (John Paul II is also considered #110, though it’s easy enough to match up Popes and Prophecies, so I’d take that with a grain of salt.
This roundup features news related to things that are old.
Wichcraft Belief in Malawi Sparks Violence – FEB 11, 2013 04:28 PM ET // BY BENJAMIN RADFORD
George Thindawa, Executive Director of the Association of Secular Humanism in Malawi, has launched a 3 year campaign to attempt to stamp out belief in magic and witches through public education in hopes of eradicating violence against suspected magic-doers in the country.
Latin a Dead Language? Not Really – FEB 12, 2013 08:26 AM ET // BY ROSSELLA LORENZI
Knowledge of the “dead” latin language led to Giovanna Chirri getting the scoop on the world when Pope Benedict XVI made his farewell speech in the archaic language.
Act of God? Lightning Strikes St. Peter’s Dome – FEB 13, 2013 07:45 AM ET // BY MARC LALLANILLA, LIFE’S LITTLE MYSTERIES STAFF WRITER
The lightning strike in question came within hours of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. It is unlikely, however, to have been an act of God due to the fact that locations of religious significance are frequently the highest thing around and thus the thing that is mostly likely to be struck.
This roundup is made up of news that Kitsu can’t believe someone had to report. Not because of ridiculousness, but rather because it’s happening at all.
How Cocaine and Controversy Mixed With Soda – FEB 4, 2013 08:44 AM ET // BY ROSSELLA LORENZI
I didn’t watch the superbowl commercials, but apparently their were accusations of discrimination based entirely on a story-based decision, and no one seemed to consider beforehand that there would be a story-based reason in the final commercial for why you couldn’t just vote whatever way you wanted all willy-nilly. Way to assume the worst, people.
Women in Paris Can Now Wear Pants – FEB 4, 2013 01:30 PM ET // BY AMANDA ONION
It’s mindblowing in the modern world that this law, while invalidated by other laws and accepted cultural changes, is still on the books at all. And this news story does not report the removal of the law, only a public statement that the law has been invalidated. Or rather “the implicit abrogation of the order”, because plain language isn’t french enough, apprently.
What Causes Early Puberty in Girls? – FEB 8, 2013 09:00 AM ET // BY SHEILA M. ELDRED
First off, how did I not catch something before now that the new ages for early onset puberty is 6-7 (variation is based on race)? And, how did I miss the story about the nine year old who got raped and ended up giving birth. Just… Holy crap. As if the idea of being a parent wasn’t scary enough… Now you have to worry about pregnant pre-teens?
And down here are a few bonus stories that are too cool to just delete from my feeds, but are edging towards out of date:
Due to some time constraints right now, I’m doing quick Newsdump posts that will help keep things from getting buried in my box. Expect special posts on both Giant Squids and Bigfoot soon.
