Problems with St. Malachy legend arise quickly. The text in question is a list of 112 phrases said to be associated with popes, beginning with Celestine II, who was named pope in 1143, Weiss said.

Here's a list of all the men who have had the role. Pope Francis became the church’s 266th in 2013 when the papal conclave elected him after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Like the other ceremonies and traditions that accompany the advent of a new pope, his newly chosen name will be imbued with centuries of Catholic history and dissected for its many layers of meaning.

No pope has been named Leo since the early 1900s. The most recent, Pope Leo XIII, served as supreme pontiff from 1878 to 1903. As his new name suggests, Prevost is the 14th pope to select the name ...

No pope has been named Leo since the early 1900s. The most recent, Pope Leo XIII, served as supreme pontiff from 1878 to 1903. As his new name suggests, Prevost is the 14th pope to select the name ...

Like the other ceremonies and traditions that accompany the advent of a new pope, his newly chosen name will be imbued with centuries of Catholic history and dissected for its many layers of meaning.