In 1907, Pope Pius X condemned modernist theology, which sought to reconcile Catholic faith with contemporary scientific and historical perspectives. This condemnation marked a significant moment in the Catholic Church's struggle with modernity and set the stage for a broader conflict between traditional beliefs and emerging ideas. The modernist crisis prompted a reevaluation of doctrine and authority within the Church, influencing theological discussions for decades.

The Modernist crisis in Catholicism prompted poets like T.S. Eliot and W.H. Auden to grapple with the tension between faith and modernity. Their works often reflected a search for meaning in a rapidly changing world, blending traditional religious themes with contemporary existential questions.