Recent documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Steve Bannon, a former advisor to President Donald Trump, sought the assistance of Jeffrey Epstein, the accused sex trafficker, to undermine Pope Francis. The extensive report by CNN details communications between Bannon and Epstein, highlighting Bannon's efforts during 2018 and 2019 to collaborate with Epstein in a scheme targeting the former pope after Bannon left his position in the Trump administration.

Bannon has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis, perceiving him as an obstacle to his nationalistic and populist vision. In 2018, he described the Pope in derogatory terms and accused him of aligning with global elites. This campaign against the Pope reflects a broader ideological struggle within certain American right-wing circles, where Bannon sees the Pope’s messages as contrary to the populist agenda that gained prominence in Europe during the same period.

The implications of these revelations are significant, as they underscore the lengths to which some political figures may go to advance their agendas, even engaging with notorious individuals like Epstein. This collaboration raises ethical questions about the means used by political advisors and the potential intersections of power, ideology, and criminality in political discourse.