Nostradamus seemingly made prediction about Pope Francis’ death in eerie prophecy

French astrologer Nostradamus seemingly predicted Pope Francis' death after one of his 16th century prophecies was unearthed this week.

The French astrologer - real name Michel de Nostredame - was born in 1503 and died in 1566, and was responsible for the text Les Propheties, which depicted his predictions in the form of poems.

Following the passing of Pope Francis this week, who was 88-years-old, people believe Nostradamus could have predicted his death after he wrote of the passing 'of a very old pontiff'.

Writing in his book Les Prophéties, Nostradamus stated: "Through the death of a very old Pontiff / A Roman of good age will be elected / Of him it will be said that he weakens his seat / But long will he sit and in mordant activity."

Speaking about the next successor, Nostradamus then added: "A young man of dark skin with the help of the great king will deliver the purse to another of red colour."

Although people tend to marvel at Nostradamus' predictions to this day, as many of them have seemingly come true - including the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Great Fire of London - it's worth noting that many of them are open to interpretation.

The Pope's passing was announced by the Vatican on Monday morning (21 April), and his cause of death has since been revealed as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

Nine days of mourning will follow, while Pope Francis' funeral has been announced for Saturday, 26 April.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday (21 April) (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Following his death, it has now been revealed what the late Pope wanted for his burial, according to a final testament released by the Vatican.

While previous pontiffs have been buried in coffins made of cypress, lead and oak, it's reported that Pope Francis' coffin will simply be made from wood and lined with zinc, as per his request.

Meanwhile, attention has also turned to who will replace Pope Francis as the new head of the Catholic Church.

Nostradamus had a prediction about the Pope's death (Leemage/Corbis via Getty Images)

While it's not clear who will be the next Pope, the voting process is likely to last between 15 and 20 days, in what is known as a papal conclave.

The decision will be made by the College of Cardinals - a select group of over 200 senior cardinals chosen by successive Popes - who will vote four times per day until a candidate receives a major two-thirds of the vote.

And while there is no legal age limit when it comes to the important role, it has to be a man.