76% of Catholics are in Latin America and Carribbean, so it is only fitting that they selected someone that identifies with them. He's chosen Saint Francis as his name sake, so the association on his government will be humility, and common-ness. He isn't one to bask in glory, limelight, frills and pomp.
While I do not think that he will purposefully fullfill Malachy's prophecy, it may be the times we live in that aid that fullfillment. If he is the last Pope, he will have much to deal with. Malachy's prophecy does not say he is evil, it says that he goes through much dispair persecution. So who knows what the years ahead hold. Many of us on these boards already know whatever is coming, isn't good.
Petrus Romanus simply means Peter the Roman. It didn't need to be the name, or nationality that he fullfills it, but by the characteristics. Who was Peter? What was he like? Will Pope Francis, in humility and faithfullness, attempt to guide Christians through a tribulation in a manner much like Peter guided those who were persecuted, like himself, onto death for their faith?
In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit [i.e., as bishop].
Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations, and when these things are finished, the city of seven hills [i.e.
Rome]
will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The End.[13]