WarRoom Battleground EP 805: BREAKING: Pope Leo Skeptic LifeSiteNews’s CEO John-Henry Westen FIRED In Pro-Leo Boardroom Coup

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host/Author: WarRoom.org
Title: Bannon's War Room

Introduction

In Episode 805 of WarRoom Battleground, host Stephen K. Bannon, along with co-host Ben Harnwell and guest contributors Frank Walker, Jane Zirkel, Liz Yorr, and Tim Haslow, delve into a significant upheaval within the conservative Catholic media landscape. The primary focus centers on the ousting of John-Henry Weston, CEO and co-founder of LifeSite News, amidst broader tensions within the Church and its media outlets.

Breaking News: John-Henry Weston Fired

Timestamp [01:12]: Frank Walker

Frank Walker kicks off the episode by announcing the shocking news that John-Henry Weston, a stalwart in the pro-life movement and co-founder of LifeSite News, was unexpectedly fired by the organization's board in a narrow 5-4 vote. Walker emphasizes Weston's three-decade-long dedication to the cause and his influential role in shaping LifeSite News into a primary voice for traditional Catholic views.

Notable Quote:

Jane Zirkel at [02:30]: "John Henry Weston for 30 years co-founded LifeSite News, was CEO and just ran this organization for life... the battle has begun."

Reaction and Analysis

Timestamp [05:30] - [14:55]:

Frank Walker scrutinizes the official statement from LifeSite News, which cites "careful consideration and extensive prayer" as reasons for Weston's dismissal, ostensibly to better serve donors and stakeholders. Walker and the panel express skepticism, suggesting that financial pressures and internal conflicts over doctrinal directions—particularly concerning Pope Leo and his alignment with traditionalist versus progressive factions—are the true catalysts behind Weston's removal.

Notable Quotes:

Frank Walker at [05:30]: "The board wants to maximize its fundraising capacity... the editorial positions of John Henry Weston... made the fundraising so much more difficult."

Ben Harnwell at [06:58]: "This is a purge. They're going to start the war by this action."

Stephen K. Bannon elaborates on the implications, highlighting Weston's unwavering stance and the potential for his voice to grow even louder in opposition following his firing.

Stephen K. Bannon at [07:46]: "John Henry Weston... he's going to have even a bigger platform going forward. And it's outrageous how this was handled."

Donors, Accountability, and Future Actions

Timestamp [14:21] - [25:48]:

The discussion shifts to the influence of donors in LifeSite News' decision-making processes. Ben Harnwell underscores the necessity of identifying and holding these donors accountable, asserting that their financial support is pivotal to the organization's direction and policies.

Notable Quotes:

Ben Harnwell at [14:21]: "We're going to expose the donors of LifeSite News. We're going to go there because we have to go there."

Frank Walker at [16:04]: "Find out who the board members are... Let's find out who the five were who voted out John Henry Weston."

Jane Zirkel and Tim Haslow further analyze the board's composition, suggesting affiliations with influential Catholic entities like the Knights of Columbus and Opus Dei, which may have steered the organization away from Weston's traditionalist viewpoints.

Jane Zirkel at [21:44]: "This purge at LifeSite News is about clearing the landscape for Leo to ruin the church with little or no media pushback."

Tim Haslow shares insights into the broader implications for the Church, emphasizing the resilience of the pro-life movement despite internal purges.

Tim Haslow at [25:48]: "That's a beloved man, John Henry, who was trusted, a moral man who was fearless in a quiet, kind way."

Synodal Process Delay and Church Turmoil

Timestamp [31:18] - [43:28]:

The conversation transitions to the postponement of the synod on synodality's study groups, originally slated for June but now delayed until December. This delay is perceived as a strategic maneuver by Pope Leo to exert greater control over the synodal process, particularly concerning contentious issues like LGBT inclusion and the ordination of women.

Notable Quotes:

Frank Walker at [31:18]: "Leo church now in full on meltdown?"

Jane Zirkel at [34:30]: "This whole thing is a Marxist synodal bureaucratic strategy to change the church."

Liz Yorr voices strong opposition to the synodal approach, accusing it of introducing "new age mumbo jumbo" into Catholic doctrine and undermining traditional teachings.

Jane Zirkel at [37:53]: "The Holy Spirit is moving us in this direction. They are hijacking the Holy Spirit as the one who is moving the synodal church."

Tim Haslow adds that the synodal process is a façade to implement radical changes covertly.

Tim Haslow at [41:45]: "They're moving... into groups of experts that may have nothing to do with the Church whatsoever."

Frank Walker summarizes the episode by linking the firing of Weston and the synodal process delay as parts of a broader strategy to reshape the Catholic Church's direction under Pope Leo, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive resistance.

Conclusion

In this episode, WarRoom.org presents a critical examination of the internal struggles within the Catholic Church and its affiliated media outlets. The firing of John-Henry Weston from LifeSite News is portrayed as a pivotal event signaling a shift towards more progressive and potentially divisive doctrinal stances under Pope Leo. The panelists advocate for increased accountability among donors and board members, and caution against the gradual erosion of traditional Catholic teachings through orchestrated synodal processes. The episode serves as a clarion call to conservative Catholics and supporters to mobilize in defense of established doctrines and resist what they perceive as orchestrated internal purges aimed at redefining the Church’s core values.

Additional Resources:

• Canon 212: For in-depth analyses and updates, visit canon212.com.
• Liz Yorr: Follow Liz on social media at yourchildren.com.