He also seemed to predict his death 😲

Nostradamus’ prophecies, especially about papal succession, continue to captivate public interest, particularly during times of transition like the death of Pope Francis. These prophecies are often seen as accurate due to cognitive biases such as apophenia and confirmation bias, which lead people to find patterns in vague predictions.

**Psychological and Sociological Insights:**

Prophecies offer comfort during uncertain times, create compelling narratives, and foster communities of shared belief. People tend to see connections between events and predictions, reinforcing their faith in prophecies.

**The Church’s Position:**

The Catholic Church does not endorse or condemn Nostradamus but maintains that prophecies must align with Church teachings. The selection of a pope is seen as a spiritual process, not one driven by prophecy.

**Scientific and Cognitive Views:**

Statistical analyses show that Nostradamus’ prophecies are largely inaccurate, with their perceived accuracy stemming from linguistic ambiguity and cognitive biases.

**The Future of the Papacy:**

As the next papal election approaches, factors like continuity, geographical representation, and institutional challenges will shape the decision, rather than any prophecy. Nostradamus’ prophecies remain an invitation to reflect on how we interpret history and anticipate the future.