Summary of Episode 4473: "What The New Pope Means For The Next Decade"

Release Date: May 9, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: Bannon's War Room
• Host/Author: WarRoom.org
• Description: WAR ROOM: Pandemic is the first and most comprehensive program to bring the most up-to-the-minute information on the news of the day. Stephen K. Bannon brings medical experts, politicians, business leaders, and those on the front lines for a comprehensive look at the latest news and provides their insider insights.

I. The Selection of the New Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Key Discussion: The episode opens with an analysis of the recent conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. Terry Schilling provides insights into the selection process, highlighting the new Pope's background and his alignment with the intentions of his predecessors.

Notable Quotes:

• Terry Schilling [00:04]: "He came from the south side of Chicago, the working-class part of Chicago. He's part of the Augustinians, a group that looks out for those who are struggling...so much of Francis' DNA is present in this Pope as well."
• Terry Schilling [03:40]: "He's the least American of the Americans. And they don't mean it in a mean way, but it's like they just, they get a little concerned when they think that America has everything."

II. Vatican’s Financial Strategies and Engagement with US Benefactors

Key Discussion: Ben Harnwell elaborates on the Vatican's dire financial situation, revealing that the new Pope's selection was influenced by the need to revitalize donations, particularly from American benefactors. The conversation suggests that Pope Leo XIV is expected to be more accommodating towards capitalism to attract much-needed funds.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Harnwell [05:54]: "The Cardinals have picked an American who can talk to these American benefactors, sit down and talk to them. He won't offend them, he won't have his disgust of free-market capitalism thrust in their faces."
• Ben Harnwell [09:28]: "He's picked someone who is going to be able to pick up once again the huge donations that came in from the United States."

III. Vatican-China Relations and the Catholic Church’s Influence

Key Discussion: A substantial portion of the episode delves into the Vatican's intricate relationship with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Dave Brat and Bradley Thayer discuss the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and China, emphasizing concerns over CCP's influence on bishop appointments and the broader implications for religious freedom and human rights in China.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Brat [17:16]: "Francis worked out a Faustian bargain with the Chinese Communist Party...the CCP is in the driver's seat."
• Dave Brat [22:40]: "The Church should be on the side of the people. The Church should be on the side of right morality, which is to oppose Communism, not to cooperate with the devil in the guise of the Chinese Communist Party."

IV. Geopolitical Implications: The Catholic Church as a Moral Superpower

Key Discussion: The podcast emphasizes the Catholic Church's role as a global moral authority and its potential impact on geopolitical dynamics, especially concerning China's internal struggles and human rights abuses. The new Pope's approach to China is portrayed as pivotal in shaping the Church's influence against communist regimes.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Brat [17:16]: "John Paul II is a hero...The Church will operate independently of communist control."
• Dave Brat [25:43]: "We need somebody who's going to be the equal of John Paul II in the Catholic Church."

V. US Political Debates on Tax Policy

Key Discussion: Transitioning from religious and geopolitical matters, Stephen K. Bannon shifts focus to US tax policies, critiquing the Democratic approach to taxing the rich. The discussion highlights the Republican stance on cutting taxes for the wealthy and the potential political and economic ramifications of such policies.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen K. Bannon [01:04]: "The Democrats playbook...they want to cut Medicaid, they want to cut Medicare, they want to cut Social Security for their tax cuts for the rich."
• Steve Bannon [15:00]: (Advertisement skipped)

VI. Planned Parenthood and Social Issues

Key Discussion: Terry Schilling addresses the contentious issue of defunding Planned Parenthood, citing its financial demands and controversial practices. The conversation underscores the broader social and moral debates within the US political landscape, advocating for the defunding of organizations perceived as detrimental to societal values.

Notable Quotes:

• Terry Schilling [35:37]: "Planned Parenthood is sending puberty blocker drugs, cross sex hormones to minors without their parents' knowledge or consent. This is absolutely egregious."
• Terry Schilling [41:11]: "Defunding Planned Parenthood is extremely popular...it's a 90-10 issue. You are voting on the right side."

VII. Geopolitical Tensions: US-China Relations and the Role of the Catholic Church

Key Discussion: Further exploration into how the new Pope's stance may influence US-China relations. The episode posits that the Catholic Church could play a significant role in exerting moral pressure against China's human rights violations, reflecting on historical precedents set by previous Popes.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Harnwell [21:10]: "The Church should not be making deals, covert deals...every voice has to push in against China."
• Dave Brat [25:43]: "If the new Pope is along the lines of Francis, then the Catholic Church is losing a historical moment to have the effect for good that it had in the 1970s and 1980s under John Paul II."

VIII. Conclusion and Future Implications

Key Discussion: The episode concludes with reflections on the interconnectedness of religious leadership, political strategies, and global geopolitics. The speakers emphasize the importance of strategic decision-making by the new Pope and US political leaders in shaping the future trajectory of both the Catholic Church and international relations.

Notable Quotes:

• Terry Schilling [52:38]: "We have too much debt. 37 trillion...We have way too many abortions in this country and not enough babies being born."
• Ben Harnwell [53:01]: "The trade deal with the UK was great. The world is coming our way...if he pulls off this tariff piece and gets tax cuts to speed up the economy and a booming energy sector, we're standing tall."

Additional Insights: Throughout the episode, the conversation seamlessly weaves between religious leadership and pressing political issues, reflecting the multifaceted approach of "Bannon's War Room." The discussions underscore a sentiment of urgency and strategic maneuvering, both within the Vatican and the US political arena, aiming to influence global dynamics and uphold certain moral and economic values.

Final Note: Listeners are encouraged to engage critically with the content, considering the diverse perspectives presented and the broader implications of the discussed topics on both national and international levels.