Newly released documents by the U.S. Department of Justice allege that former White House strategist Steve Bannon discussed strategy against Pope Francis with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to message exchanges from 2019 cited in the documents, Bannon allegedly wrote that he hoped to “bring down” Pope Francis. The messages included in the Epstein files reportedly show Bannon stating: “The Clintons, Xi, Francis, EU – come on, brother.”
Bannon’s Opposition to Pope Francis
The documents suggest that Bannon viewed Pope Francis as an obstacle to his nationalist-populist “sovereigntist” vision. During 2018–2019, Bannon maintained close ties with rising right-wing populist movements in Europe and was known to accuse the Pope of aligning himself with what he described as “globalist elites.”
The records further indicate that Epstein supported efforts to strengthen Bannon’s political movement.
Vatican Book Adaptation Proposal
The messages also reveal that Bannon shared with Epstein the idea of adapting French journalist Frédéric Martel’s 2019 book In the Closet of the Vatican into a film. Correspondence shows that Bannon allegedly considered Epstein as a potential producer for the project.
The book raised allegations of secrecy and hypocrisy among senior Vatican officials. However, experts emphasize that linking sexual orientation with abuse cases lacks scientific foundation.
Papal biographer Austen Ivereigh argued that Bannon intended to use the book as a tool to weaken Pope Francis.
Vatican Responds
Vatican official Antonio Spadaro stated that the messages demonstrate an attempt to merge spiritual authority with political power. It was emphasized that Pope Francis has consistently opposed such political instrumentalization.
Bannon’s sharp criticism of the Pope reportedly peaked in 2018, when former U.S. Apostolic Nuncio Carlo Maria Viganò released a dossier targeting Francis. However, a Vatican investigation ultimately cleared the Pope of wrongdoing.
Epstein Connection and Ongoing Denials
The newly disclosed documents show that Bannon maintained contact with Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 on sex-related charges and was arrested again in 2019 on charges of sex trafficking involving minors.
The files also reportedly contain messages in which Epstein mocked the Pope.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
