The Simpsons fans reckon show predicted new American pope years ago

It's long been joked that The Simpsons producers have an acute ability to predict the future - and by the sounds of things, they've done so again.

This time, the allegedly psychic bosses of the much-loved cartoon are said to have made predictions about the new Pope, whose election was announced by the College of Cardinals on 8 May.

For those in need of a reminder, previous episodes of The Simpsons famously prophesized Donald Trump's controversial transition into politics and his rise to the White House, and more recently, Elon Musk's hotly-debated appointment to a US government position.

Pope Leo XIV was elected yesterday (Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

Furthermore, just a handful of weeks ago, producers were also said to have predicted Conan O'Brien's performance as host of the 2025 Academy Awards ceremony.

As we say, however, this time, they're said to have predicted the new Head of the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen to succeed the late Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday (21 April) following a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, aged 88.

Upon his ascension, he announced he'd be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Interestingly, the new pontiff hails from Chicago, Illinois, making him the American pope in history - something president Trump was quick to describe as a 'great honour for our country'.

One episode referenced a new pope (Fox Television)

And according to some die-hard fans of The Simpsons, a pope born in the Windy City was something suggested during an episode of the 10th series of the long-standing show several years prior.

One Reddit user shared an image from 'The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace', which heard newsreader Kent Brockman telling viewers: "Authorities say the phoney Pope can be recognised by his high-top sneakers and incredibly foul mouth."

Taking to the comment section, another fan of the show replied: "I tried to post this, too. Since the Pope is from Chicago, the idea of a Pope with high tops and an incredibly foul mouth now counts as an official Simpsons Prediction."

Another admitted, 'I don’t think any of us expected him to say that', while a third claimed, 'Was just coming to post this!'

On another discussion page, another episode - 'The City of New York vs Homer Simpson' - Moe the bartender rules that the group of friends need a designated driver, claiming they'll do so in the same way they selected the Pope, before reaching into a jar of pickled eggs.

Villanova University is referenced in another episode (Fox Television)

Later in the same episode, chosen driver Barney reveals he lost Homer's car while speaking in Villanova - which just so happens to be the Pennsylvania University where Pope Leo XIV attended in his youth.

I know, the plot continues to thicken!