Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-1852943-20130424155230/@comment-6003396-20130605082330

the prophecy does indeed seem to be common knowledge, however the prophecy itself does not mention anything about the Age of Fire and all the rest, but only that the fate of the Undead will be known when the bell is rung, implying that rekindling the flame is not common knowledge, but rather unknown - perhaps entirely - to the outside world.

Paladin Helm description states that: "Long ago, the Way of the White produced its first Undead, a paladin in golden armor. With the legendary treasures Grant and Sanctus, Leeroy set out for Lordran, Land of the Gods, in the first Undead mission of the Way of White." --- suggesting that the church was not (at least originally) enemy to the Undead, but rather treated them as sacred figures on a mission, a position to be respected and sought after.

this mission, both for leeroy and all others from the way of white, seems to be solely concerning the catacombs and obtaining the rite of kindling, having nothing to do with prolonging the Age of Fire. petrus states that: "Undead clerics are given a mission to seek Kindling."

it seems most likely that Petrus's role is simply to be a part of Reah's group and to assist her in their mission. petrus's dialogue: "Have you business with us?"..."my companions" - this language does not support that he is some kind of receptionist of the Way of White, their agent in Lordran to guide all those that come on their behalf, but that he arrived there with them and, for whatever reason, got there a bit early.