If you look at the Scriptures referenced for this (Rev. 17:1-6) John says that the heads he saw "are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come." If five of these kings had fallen in Johns day and one of them was still in existence, then the Whore must have existed in Johns day. Yet Christian Rome and Vatican City did not.
However, pagan Rome did have a line of emperors, etc.etc. and without getting too windy, the passage altogether is directed at pagan Rome.
I don't blame you for bad information, Laz. You may well have gotten it from somebody who doesn't know jack chick about this particular Scripture.
I hit it with chicks.
Jack Chick has a last name that indicates a young female.
Ergo, I hit it with Jack Chick.