Steve Bannon's Communications with Jeffrey Epstein to Undermine Pope Francis

Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Steve Bannon, former White House Chief Strategist for Donald Trump, communicated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein about plans to "take down" Pope Francis. In a series of messages from June 2019, Bannon expressed his intent to undermine the pontiff, stating, “Will take down [Pope] Francis. The Clintons, Xi, Francis, EU – come on, brother.” This correspondence highlights Bannon's critical stance towards Francis, whom he viewed as a significant opponent to his nationalist and populist agenda.

Irish IndependentMEAWWHe considered him his greatest rival/ Steve Bannon and Epstein's conspiracy revealed: We will overthrow Pope Francis! – Balkanweb.comSteve Bannon hatched plot with Epstein to 'take down' Pope FrancisThe IndependentThe Jerusalem PostDaily BeastSteve Bannon Sought Epstein’s Help to Undermine Pope Francis

Bannon's animosity towards Pope Francis stems from the pontiff's progressive global agenda, which Bannon perceived as contrary to his own "sovereigntist" beliefs. In a 2018 interview, Bannon described Francis as “beneath contempt” and accused him of aligning with “globalist elites.” The tension between Bannon and Francis intensified during a period when the Vatican faced scrutiny over sexual abuse scandals, further complicating the relationship between conservative political figures and the Catholic Church.

Irish IndependentMEAWWSteve Bannon Sought Epstein’s Help to Undermine Pope FrancisHe considered him his greatest rival/ Steve Bannon and Epstein's conspiracy revealed: We will overthrow Pope Francis! – Balkanweb.comThe IndependentThe Jerusalem PostSteve Bannon hatched plot with Epstein to 'take down' Pope FrancisDaily Beast

Steve Bannon is a prominent figure in the U.S. conservative movement, known for his role in the MAGA campaign and his leadership at Breitbart News. Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with a criminal history involving sex offenses, had significant influence and connections within elite circles. Their alliance represents a controversial intersection of politics and personal agendas, particularly in the context of Bannon's efforts to challenge Francis's authority.

Steve Bannon Sought Epstein’s Help to Undermine Pope Francis

Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of Pope Francis, commented on Bannon's intentions, stating, “I think he badly misjudged the nature of the book – and Pope Francis.” This reflects the broader sentiment that Bannon's strategies may not resonate with the Catholic community, which has been increasingly focused on inclusivity and humanitarianism under Francis's leadership.

MEAWW

Bannon's communications with Epstein have drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly among those who view his tactics as politically motivated and ethically questionable. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a traditionalist figure in the Catholic Church, distanced himself from Bannon after learning of his plans to adapt Frédéric Martel's book, *In the Closet of the Vatican*, into a film. Burke's rejection of the project underscores the internal divisions within the Church regarding Bannon's approach.

Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon’s Conspirators in the Plot to Take Down Pope Francis

While Bannon's intentions to undermine Pope Francis are clear from the released documents, the seriousness of his proposals, such as the film adaptation, remains ambiguous. Epstein's responses to Bannon's messages often diverted to unrelated topics, leaving questions about the depth of their collaboration.

MEAWW

The revelations surrounding Bannon and Epstein's communications may have lasting implications for the intersection of faith and politics in the U.S. As right-wing efforts to mobilize the Catholic vote for upcoming elections intensify, the strategies employed by figures like Bannon could shape the political landscape, potentially leading to further polarization within the Church and its followers.

Steve Bannon Sought Epstein’s Help to Undermine Pope Francis

• “Will take down Francis. The Clintons, Xi, Francis, EU – come on brother.” — Steve Bannon

Daily Beast

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

The Jerusalem Post

• “easy choice.” — Steve Bannon, in response to an article titled “Pope Francis or Steve Bannon? Catholics must choose.”

The Jerusalem Post