(DDM) – Steve Bannon privately pursued political strategies aimed at weakening the moral and political influence of Pope Francis, according to newly disclosed government records.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the disclosures emerged from files recently unsealed by the US Department of Justice after years of legal battles over document access.
The records include message exchanges between Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein dating back to 2019, when Bannon was expanding his global political network.
Investigators compiled the documents during broader federal inquiries that later resulted in large public releases of Epstein-related materials.
The messages show Bannon discussing ideological battles and identifying global figures he considered obstacles to nationalist political movements.
One message indicated that Bannon wanted to politically “take down” the Pope because he opposed the pontiff’s globalist outlook.
Bannon grouped the Pope with several world figures he believed represented internationalist or establishment interests.
Those figures included former US political families, European institutions, and Chinese leadership circles associated with Xi Jinping.
Analysts say Bannon’s language reflected frustration with religious voices supporting migration, social justice, and multilateral cooperation.
Pope Francis has consistently promoted compassion for migrants, climate responsibility, and dialogue between nations.
Those positions sometimes placed him at odds with nationalist politicians across Europe and North America.
Bannon previously served as a senior adviser to former US President Donald Trump before leaving the White House in 2017.
After departing government, Bannon focused on building populist alliances across Europe.
He supported parties and politicians who campaigned on strong borders, cultural identity, and reduced supranational authority.
In earlier interviews with The Spectator, Bannon sharply criticized Pope Francis and accused him of siding with global elites.
He argued that the Pope’s views weakened national sovereignty and encouraged mass migration.
Observers note that religious leaders historically influence political values, especially in predominantly Christian societies.
The Catholic Church leads millions of followers worldwide and often speaks on humanitarian and ethical questions.
That influence makes papal statements politically significant beyond strictly religious contexts.
The files reported by CNN suggest Epstein acted as a contact point during Bannon’s networking efforts.
There is no evidence in the documents that the Vatican coordinated any response to Bannon’s remarks.
The Vatican has maintained its traditional stance of avoiding direct involvement in partisan political disputes.
Some experts say the disclosures illustrate how modern political actors build unconventional alliances to pursue ideological goals.
Others argue the episode shows how religion and politics remain deeply interconnected in global affairs.
Bannon has not publicly denied the authenticity of the released messages.
Public reactions have ranged from concern to renewed debate about the boundaries between faith and political strategy.
Political historians note that tensions between nationalist movements and religious leaders have surfaced many times throughout history.
They add that globalization, migration pressures, and cultural debates continue to fuel those tensions today.
The newly released files have revived scrutiny of past political relationships and strategic communications among powerful figures.
Many observers expect further analysis as researchers examine the broader archive of released materials.
For now, the disclosures offer a rare glimpse into private political conversations involving influential global personalities.
