Bannon-Epstein Plot to 'Take Down' Pope Francis Revealed

Newly released messages show former Trump official and convicted sex offender planned to damage Pope's reputation

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Newly released messages between former Trump official Steve Bannon and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have revealed details of an alleged plot to 'take down' the late Pope Francis. The messages show Bannon asking Epstein if he had read a book alleging that many clergy at the Vatican are secretly gay, and suggesting Epstein become the 'exec producer' for a potential film adaptation, hinting at plans to damage the Pope's reputation.

Why it matters

This revelation adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding both Bannon and Epstein, whose relationship appears to have been deeper and more personal than previously known. The alleged plot to undermine the Pope's standing raises concerns about potential abuse of power and the lengths some will go to attack religious figures.

The details

In the messages, Bannon asked Epstein if he had read the 2019 book 'In the Closet of the Vatican: Power, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy,' which alleges that a majority of clergy at the Vatican are secretly gay. Epstein had not read the book, prompting Bannon to suggest someone named 'Sean' would get Epstein a copy. Bannon then awarded Epstein the title of 'exec producer' for 'ITCOTV,' an acronym for the book's title, hinting at plans to turn it into a film with Epstein in a leadership role.

  • The messages were exchanged just weeks before Epstein was found dead in a New York jail cell in 2019.

The players

Steve Bannon

Former chief strategist for President Donald Trump who has been involved in various controversies.

Jeffrey Epstein

Convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Pope Francis

The current Pope of the Catholic Church, who Bannon and Epstein allegedly plotted to 'take down'.

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What they’re saying

“This Epstein files drop keeps getting wilder. History books are gonna need extra chapters.”

— Abdul Kabir Khan, Blogger (X)

“Bannon working with Epstein vs [Pope Francis] is basically good vs evil.”

— Chris Cuomo, Former CNN anchor (CNN)

“Something rotten in Bannon's soul.”

— Elon Musk (Twitter)

What’s next

The revelations about Bannon and Epstein's alleged plot against the Pope are likely to spur further investigations and scrutiny of their relationship and activities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the lengths some powerful individuals will go to undermine and attack religious figures, even the Pope, for their own personal or political agendas. It raises concerns about the abuse of power and the need for greater accountability and transparency in such matters.