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.

The most recent pope to die in office was the previous pontiff, Pope John Paul II. He died in April 2005 at age 84, after 26 years in the papacy. Here's what happened after: 1.

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.