February 17, 2026 | 12:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files reveal messages exchanged in 2019 between former White House advisor Steve Bannon and the convicted sexual offender, including discussions on ways to undermine Pope Francis.
According to a CNN report citing TRT World on Saturday, February 14, 2026, the correspondence shows Bannon viewing the late Pope Francis as a key ideological opponent to his nationalist-populist agenda. Bannon reportedly sought Epstein’s support to oppose the Pope, who passed away in April 2025.
In one June 2019 message, Bannon wrote: “Will take down (Pope) Francis. The Clintons, (Chinese President) Xi, Francis, EU -- come on brother.”
The exchanges also referenced the controversial book In the Closet of the Vatican by French journalist Frédéric Martel, which examines secrecy and power within the Catholic Church.
Bannon suggested Epstein could act as an executive producer for a potential film adaptation: “You are now exec producer of ‘ITCOTV’ (In the closet of the Vatican).” Martel told CNN he believed Bannon aimed to “instrumentalise” the book in his efforts against the Pope.
Although no longer serving as an advisor to former President Donald Trump, Bannon continues to host a podcast and exerts influence among Trump’s inner political circles.
The leaked files indicate that Epstein sent himself emails referencing the book and circulated articles critical of Francis. Bannon responded to one headline stating, “Pope Francis or Steve Bannon? Catholics must choose,” with “easy choice.”
CNN reported that Epstein’s responses included provocative remarks, citing John Milton’s Paradise Lost: “Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven.”
Read: Fact Check: Covid-19 Pandemic Simulation Not Linked to Epstein Files
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