By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Steve Bannon, former White House adviser to President Trump, discussed strategies with Jeffrey Epstein to undermine Pope Francis. Bannon expressed a desire to “take down” the pontiff, whom he viewed as an opponent to his nationalist populist vision. The messages suggest Bannon sought Epstein’s assistance in potentially adapting a book critical of the Vatican into a film, indicating an attempt to use faith for strategic political ends.
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Steve Bannon, a figure known for his involvement in right-wing politics, was apparently seeking out Jeffrey Epstein with the express intention of undermining Pope Francis. Newly revealed documents from the U.S. Department of Justice paint a picture of Bannon, a former White House adviser, actively engaging with the convicted sex offender in 2019. This collaboration, according to the released messages, was part of a broader effort by Bannon to discredit and, in his words, “take down” the pontiff.
The context for this seemingly unusual alliance stems from Bannon’s strong disapproval of Pope Francis. Bannon viewed the Pope as a direct adversary to his “sovereigntist” ideology, a form of nationalist populism that was gaining traction in Europe around that time. The documents suggest that Epstein, a financier with a dark reputation, was potentially providing Bannon with assistance in cultivating and expanding his political movement, making the exchange about papal opposition all the more disturbing.
One particularly striking message from Bannon to Epstein in June 2019 articulated this goal quite starkly: “Will take down (Pope) Francis,” Bannon wrote, adding a list of other prominent figures and entities, including “The Clintons, Xi, Francis, EU – come on brother.” This statement, released as part of a substantial document dump, offers a chilling glimpse into the strategic thinking and the questionable associates Bannon was willing to engage with.
The revelations have prompted considerable bewilderment and condemnation, especially from those familiar with Bannon’s past. The idea that someone who once identified as Catholic could harbor such animosity towards the head of the Catholic Church is seen by many as deeply hypocritical and morally reprehensible. The sheer audacity of aiming to “take down” a global religious leader like the Pope is viewed as an extraordinary display of arrogance.
Furthermore, the association with Epstein, a known perpetrator of horrific crimes, raises profound ethical questions. For Bannon, who has presented himself as a champion of traditional values, to be found communicating with and seeking assistance from someone like Epstein in such a plan is seen as a stark contradiction and a sign of a deeply flawed moral compass. The collaboration is interpreted by some as evidence of Bannon’s involvement in what they describe as a “satanic struggle against the godly,” with collaboration with a pedophile being viewed as a disturbing, albeit not surprising, indicator.
The broader implications of these revelations extend beyond Bannon’s personal ambitions. The fact that Epstein was involved in discussions about political takedowns, alongside his known sex crimes, highlights a disturbing overlap between powerful individuals, illicit activities, and political maneuvering. Some commentators argue that the focus on “culture war” issues, often promoted by figures like Bannon, serves as a smokescreen for more sinister agendas and the pursuit of power by individuals with questionable morals and objectives.
The notion that Bannon, a podcaster, was attempting to orchestrate the downfall of the Pope is also seen as a symptom of extreme narcissism and a detachment from reality. His proclaimed Catholic faith is brought into sharp contrast with his alleged actions, with many suggesting he should face excommunication. The contrast is amplified when considering that some conservative factions within the Catholic Church have sought to deny communion to political figures, while Bannon’s alleged plotting against the Pope seems to go unaddressed by those same groups.
The extent of Epstein’s influence and the nature of his interactions with powerful figures like Bannon suggest a network of individuals engaged in activities far removed from legitimate political or financial pursuits. The idea that Bannon might have believed he could achieve such a goal, and that Epstein was willing to entertain such a notion, speaks volumes about the circles in which these individuals operated and the distorted sense of power and influence they possessed. The revelation serves as a stark reminder of how far some are willing to go in their pursuit of political dominance, even if it means associating with figures like Jeffrey Epstein and targeting religious leaders.