Epstein Files Show 2019 Bannon Messages Targeting Pope Francis

(MENAFN) The latest release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files includes messages from 2019 showing former White House adviser Steve Bannon corresponding with the convicted sex offender about ways to undermine Pope Francis. Reports suggest Bannon viewed the late pontiff—who died in 2025—as a key ideological opponent to his nationalist-populist agenda and sought Epstein’s support in advancing efforts against him. In one June 2019 message, Bannon wrote that he would “take down (Pope) Francis,” adding, “The Clintons, (Chinese President) Xi, Francis, EU -- come on brother.”

The exchanges also referenced French journalist Frederic Martel’s controversial book In the Closet of the Vatican, which examines secrecy and power within the Catholic Church. Bannon proposed that Epstein act as executive producer for a potential film adaptation, saying, “You are now exec producer of ‘ITCOTV’ (In the closet of the Vatican).” Martel told reporters that he believed Bannon aimed to “instrumentalize” the book as part of his campaign against the pope.

Although no longer an advisor to President Donald Trump, Bannon continues to host a podcast and remains influential in circles close to the former president. The files show Epstein emailing himself references to Martel’s book and sharing articles critical of Francis, while Bannon replied to one headline, “Pope Francis or Steve Bannon? Catholics must choose,” with the comment, “easy choice.”

Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of the late pope, suggested that Bannon misunderstood both the book and Francis’ leadership, while Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a Vatican official close to the pontiff, told reporters that the messages appeared to attempt to merge “spiritual authority with political power for strategic ends.”

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