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Newly released documents from the Department of Justice have unveiled a disturbing correspondence between Steve Bannon, the controversial political strategist, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a message dating back to June 2019, Bannon ominously stated his intention to “take down” Pope Francis, exposing a sinister undercurrent in American political discourse that intertwines with global religious authority.
A Sinister Alliance
The revelations stem from files that highlight Bannon’s disdain for the Pope’s progressive agenda, which he perceives as a threat to his own “sovereigntist” ideology. In his messages to Epstein, Bannon not only expressed his contempt but also sought the financier’s collaboration in efforts against the pontiff. “Will take down [Pope] Francis,” he wrote, positioning the Pope alongside other figures he has openly criticized, including the Clintons and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
This isn’t the first time Bannon has publicly condemned the Pope. In a 2018 interview with The Spectator, he described Francis as “beneath contempt” and accused him of aligning with “globalist elites.” Such rhetoric reveals the deep-seated animosity that Bannon harbours towards the Vatican’s leadership, further complicating the intersection of faith and politics in contemporary America.
Epstein’s Involvement
The documents also shed light on Epstein’s interest in Bannon’s plans. Notably, Epstein referred to a controversial book, *In the Closet of the Vatican*, which alleges that a significant portion of the Catholic clergy is gay. The financier’s reference to the book in their exchanges suggests he was keenly aware of the scandalous implications, further indicating a shared interest in dismantling the Pope’s influence. Bannon even proposed to Epstein that they could adapt the book into a film, a suggestion that raises questions about the sincerity of his intentions.
Bannon’s ambitions were met with Epstein’s quips, as he remarked, “Chomsky asking when film,” referring to the intellectual Noam Chomsky, known for his critiques of power structures. The interplay of dark humour and serious intent in their correspondence paints a troubling picture of their alliance.
Bannon’s Broader Critique of Francis
Beyond his private discussions with Epstein, Bannon’s public critiques of Pope Francis illustrate a broader ideological battle within American Catholicism. His call for a more nationalist approach starkly opposes the Pope’s vision of inclusivity and global responsibility. This ideological chasm has historical roots, as exemplified by Donald Trump’s own fraught relationship with the Vatican. Although Trump later praised Francis after his death in April 2025, he had previously clashed with the pontiff over immigration policies, revealing the complexities of the relationship between the MAGA movement and Catholic leadership.
The growing divide between traditional Catholic teachings and the populist agenda of figures like Bannon and Trump highlights a significant shift within American politics, where faith is increasingly weaponised in the culture wars.
The Ongoing Fallout
As the implications of these files continue to reverberate through political and religious communities, the fallout from Bannon’s plans could have lasting effects on the perception of faith in public life. The intertwining of extremist views with established religious authorities raises pressing questions about the role of faith in a divisive political landscape.
Why it Matters
The exposure of Bannon’s intentions towards Pope Francis is more than just a scandal; it is indicative of a broader trend where political operatives seek to manipulate faith for their own agendas. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of religious authority in the face of radical political ideologies. As the lines between faith and politics blur, the need for vigilant scrutiny of such alliances becomes ever more critical, compelling society to confront the darker currents that threaten both democracy and religious integrity.
