In such instances, the Church is in open (as opposed to hidden) schism. Therefore, a true pope may be elected elsewhere by legitimate cardinals, preserving the continuity of apostolic succession. The notion of an antipope reigning in Rome undetected by the vast majority of the Catholics as an antipope is not entirely implausible (given that Jesus foretold in St Luke’s Gospel that before His return the true Faith would be almost non-existent) ; indeed, it as a natural unfolding of biblical prophecy concerning the end times, as described also in the Book of Daniel and in the Second Epistle of St Paul’s second Letter to the Thessalonians.

It is noteworthy that, to the best of current knowledge, the Catholic Church has never issued an official declaration affirming that humanity is living in the eschatological “end times”, despite canonising Saint Faustina Kowalska. In the 1930s, she reported receiving numerous revelations from Christ, including a message that the devotion to Divine Mercy was part of a divine mission to prepare the world for the Second Coming of Christ.

Rather than directing the faithful towards eschatological vigilance, the Catholic Church—particularly under the pontificate of Pope Francis, has embraced a progressive and inclusive theological orientation, which could be considered as morally deviant. This shift includes pastoral errors of judgment such as blessings for same-sex unions and the admittance of divorced and civilly remarried individuals to Holy Communion.

The canonisation cause of Blessed Carlo Acutis may serve as a revealing benchmark in this evolving context. Acutis was known for his ardent devotion to the Eucharist and his affirmation of the Real Presence—teachings that could be downplayed in a more “ecumenically” oriented Church seeking broader Christian unity. Such concerns resonate with the visions attributed to Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, who prophesied a time of great trial and spiritual deception preceding the Second Coming of Christ.