Peter Thiel's Controversial Conference on the Antichrist in Rome

Peter Thiel, the U.S. billionaire venture capitalist and co-founder of Palantir Technologies, has initiated a series of closed-door lectures in Rome from March 15 to March 18, 2026, focusing on the concept of the Antichrist. The invitation-only event, which is not open to the press and has not disclosed its venue, has drawn significant scrutiny from Catholic commentators and institutions.

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Thiel, who has previously supported former President Donald Trump, has increasingly engaged with religious and philosophical themes in recent years. His past lectures, including a similar series in San Francisco in 2025, examined the potential emergence of an Antichrist figure who could establish a one-world government under the guise of addressing global crises such as nuclear threats, artificial intelligence risks, and climate change. Raised in an Evangelical Christian household, Thiel's Christian beliefs significantly influence his worldview.

Tech Billionaire Peter Thiel Holds Private Religious Conference in Rome

The conference has sparked controversy within the Catholic Church, particularly under the leadership of Pope Leo, the first U.S. pontiff, who has criticized some of Trump's policies and warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence. Catholic universities in Rome, initially rumored to be hosting the event, have publicly distanced themselves from it. The Pontifical St. Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum) and The Catholic University of America have both issued statements clarifying that they are not involved in the organization of Thiel's lectures.

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Father Paolo Benanti, an advisor to the Pope on artificial intelligence, described Thiel's activities as a "prolonged act of heresy" in a critical essay. He argued that Thiel operates as a "political theologian" within Silicon Valley, challenging the foundations of civil coexistence. Additionally, L'Avvenire, a publication owned by the Italian bishops' conference, has published articles warning against allowing technology leaders to define their own ethical limits, emphasizing the need for government oversight of digital platforms.

Tech Billionaire Peter Thiel Holds Private Religious Conference in Rome

Thiel's connections extend to prominent figures in the U.S. conservative movement, including Vice President J.D. Vance, who is a Catholic convert and has received significant financial support from Thiel. Other notable attendees of the conservative movement, such as Steve Bannon and Elon Musk, have also visited Italy recently, highlighting a network of influential individuals aligned with Thiel's views.

Tech Billionaire Peter Thiel Holds Private Religious Conference in Rome

While no formal meeting between Thiel and Pope Leo is scheduled, the Pope's agenda has been closely monitored for any developments related to Thiel's visit. The Vatican has not issued an official response to the conference, but the scrutiny from Catholic commentators indicates a significant concern regarding the implications of Thiel's discussions.

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As the conference unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Catholic Church and broader public will respond to Thiel's exploration of the Antichrist. The event's secrecy and the high-profile nature of its participants ensure that it will continue to attract attention and provoke debate about the intersection of technology, religion, and ethics.

Tech Billionaire Peter Thiel Holds Private Religious Conference in Rome

• “Thiel’s entire action can… be read as a prolonged act of heresy against the liberal consensus: a challenge to the very foundations of civil coexistence, which he now considers outdated,” — Father Paolo Benanti, Advisor to the Pope on AI

Tech Billionaire Peter Thiel Holds Private Religious Conference in Rome

• “We would like to clarify that this event is not organized by the University, will not take place at the Angelicum, and is not part of any of our institutional initiatives,” — Pontifical St. Thomas Aquinas University Statement

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• “The Catholic University of America is not sponsoring or hosting an event featuring Peter Thiel this month in Rome,” — CUA Spokesperson

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