8.31. Could the Book of Apocalypse (Revelation) also refer to this crisis?

Yes. Apocalypse (Revelation) is full of symbolic references to apostasy, deception, false prophets, and a counterfeit church.

Notable passages include:

• Apoc. 17–18: The “harlot woman” sitting on seven hills (Rome), drunk with the blood of the saints, suggesting a city once holy, now corrupted. Many Fathers see this as a false church arising from the ruins of the true one.

• Apoc. 13:11–15: A second beast, with “two horns like a lamb” (imitating Christ) who speaks like a dragon, deceiving the world through signs and false worship.

• Apoc. 3:1: “Thou hast the name of being alive, but thou art dead.” Many modern churches appear vibrant—but are spiritually dead.

• Apoc. 12: The woman (Church) fleeing into the wilderness—symbolizing the eclipse of the Church, hidden and persecuted.

St. Pius X also believed these prophecies might be unfolding in modern times (E Supremi, 1903).