Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein's Attempts to Undermine Pope Francis

Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Steve Bannon, a former advisor to President Donald Trump, engaged in discussions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein about strategies to undermine Pope Francis. Bannon expressed a desire to "take down" the pontiff, viewing him as a significant obstacle to his nationalist populist agenda. The communications, which date back to 2019, illustrate Bannon's efforts to leverage Epstein's influence in his campaign against the pope.

CNNEpstein’s documents, Pope Francis, and what they say about the Vatican

Bannon's animosity towards Pope Francis stems from the pontiff's critiques of nationalism and his advocacy for migrants, which contradict Bannon's "sovereigntist" vision. Bannon had previously described Francis as “beneath contempt” and accused him of siding with “globalist elites.” This ideological clash intensified following the release of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò's 2018 dossier, which accused Francis of mishandling sexual abuse allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. A Vatican inquiry later cleared Francis of wrongdoing.

Epstein’s documents, Pope Francis, and what they say about the Vatican

Steve Bannon has been a prominent figure in right-wing politics, advocating for nationalist movements in Europe. Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with a criminal history, was known for his connections to powerful individuals. Pope Francis, elected in 2013, has focused on pastoral care and inclusivity, often facing backlash from conservative factions within the Church.

CNN

Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a Vatican official, remarked that Bannon's messages indicate a desire to merge "spiritual authority with political power for strategic ends," a connection that Francis actively resisted. Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of Francis, noted that Bannon misjudged both the nature of Martel's book and the pope himself, suggesting that Bannon aimed to use the book to embarrass Francis while claiming to "purify" the Church.

CNN

Bannon's proposal to adapt Frédéric Martel's controversial book, "In the Closet of the Vatican," into a film was met with resistance from conservative figures within the Church. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a vocal critic of Francis, severed ties with the Dignitatis Humanae Institute due to its association with Bannon and the proposed film. Burke publicly opposed the idea of turning Martel's book into a movie, indicating a rift within conservative circles.

Epstein’s documents, Pope Francis, and what they say about the Vatican

While the documents reveal Bannon's intentions, they do not indicate that a coordinated campaign against Pope Francis was successfully executed. The proposed film adaptation of Martel's book was never produced, and Martel himself declined Bannon's offer, citing contractual obligations with his publisher.

CNN

• “Will take down (Pope) Francis,” — Steve Bannon

CNN

• “What those messages reveal is not merely hostility toward a pontiff, but a deeper attempt to instrumentalize faith as a weapon – precisely the temptation he sought to disarm.” — Rev. Antonio Spadaro

CNN

• “I think he badly misjudged the nature of the book – and Pope Francis,” — Austen Ivereigh

CNN

• “I am not at all of the mind that the book should be made into a film.” — Cardinal Raymond Burke

CNN

As of 2024, Bannon is seeking to regain a lease for the Dignitatis Humanae Institute's operations in Italy, following a court ruling in his favor. The ongoing legal battles and political maneuvering surrounding Bannon and his associates continue to unfold, with implications for both the nationalist movement in Europe and the Catholic Church's internal dynamics.

CNN