Everyone loves a good Conspiracy Theory

It seems that Pope Benedict XVI is the 2nd to last Pope before the end of the world. This article gives a summary of the doomsday claims.

The prophecy -- widely dismissed by scholars as a hoax -- is attributed to St. Malachy, an Irish archbishop recognized by members of the Church for his ability to read the future.

St. Malachy was said to have had a vision during a trip to Rome around 1139 of the remaining 112 Popes. The new pope would be number 111 on that list, and is described in a text attributed to St. Malachy as the "Glory of the Olive."

So, with Benedict being German I don't think they are talking about his complexion. It seems that the doomsday believers are linking Benedicts choosing of his name (tribute to Benedict XV who was a man of peace) to the "olive branch". Somewhat a stretch in my opinion.

For an even bigger stretch check this out. Pope number 110, Pope John Paul II, was prophecized to be "of the labor of the sun." How does that fit?

He was born on May 18, 1920, the same day as a solar eclipse. The pontiff was buried on April 8, 2005 -- the same day as a partial eclipse, visible in the Americas.

Ri-i-i-i-ght.

So anyway, for the believers of this prophecy, since Benedict is o-old that means that Pope number 112 is just a short ride through time away.

More pressing for doomsayers are the prophecy's references to the last Pope on the list, Peter the Roman, who will lead the Church before "the formidable judge will judge his people."

Oh, well, now I'm almost convinced.

Adding to the hysteria is something that a good friend of mine told me. The Sisteen Chapel had only two open spots left for portraits of each Pope. Benedict will occupy one of those last openings.

*sigh* I was really looking forward to collecting my $5 a month Social Security check when I'm super old.