Ghost Unveil Papa Emeritus IV At Final Show Of Prequelle Tour

Last night (March 3) Ghost's epic Prequelle world tour climaxed in Mexico City, and their lore was changed forever.

Midway through the saxophone solo for Miasma, Papa Nihil mysteriously died, resulting in frontman Cardinal Copia to be inaugurated officially as Papa Emeritus IV. This new incarnation of Papa will be Ghost's fifth frontman, leading them into a new album in 2021.

"Gracias México City for your hospitality and warmth," posted Ghost on Instagram shortly after the gig. "We couldn’t pick a better place to witness the anointment of Cardinal Copia to Papa Emeritus IV.

"Papa and the ghouls are incredibly thankful for all your wonderful gifts. Looking forward to seeing all of you in 2021."

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Speaking to Kerrang! last year, Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge discussed what fans can expect from album number five.

“I look at many fifth albums as a guide as to the urgency for what that record will need to be, with [Iron Maiden’s] Powerslave being a great example,” said Tobias. “By the fifth album you’re at a point in your career where you have this momentum built up, and you have the expectancy of people depending on you, so you have to put something special in those many spotlights.

“You need to step up and make a record that’s worth it and justifies all of these things.”

Check out the big reveal of Papa Emeritus IV below.

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