WarRoom Battleground EP 809: French Bishop Names As Diocesan Chancellor A Priest Jailed For 4 Years For Raping 16-Year-Old Boy

Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Ben Harnwell
Guests: Brandon Showalter (Christian Post), Frank Walker, Jenny Holland

Introduction

In Episode 809 of WarRoom Battleground, host Ben Harnwell delves into pressing issues surrounding the Catholic Church, gender-affirming care, and recent developments within religious institutions. The episode features insightful discussions with Brandon Showalter from the Christian Post, Frank Walker, and Jenny Holland, offering a comprehensive look at both religious and societal challenges.

Political Commentary by Steve Bannon

The episode opens with a segment by Steve Bannon, who expresses frustration with mainstream media narratives and government actions. Bannon states:

“This is the primal scream of a dying regime... All these networks lying about the people, the people have had a belly full of it.”
(00:03)

He underscores a sentiment of resistance against perceived institutional deceit, setting a confrontational tone for the discussions that follow.

Catholic Church and Incorruptible Saints

Ben Harnwell transitions to discuss the Catholic tradition of venerating incorruptible saints—individuals whose bodies remain preserved after death, reflecting their sanctity. He highlights the upcoming canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young man from Turin known for his charitable works.

Jenny Holland, reporting from Turin, provides an on-the-ground perspective:

“I personally think that this is not at all in keeping with the strange phenomena that is driving people, young people especially into the arms of traditional Catholicism... Fundamental human need.”
(32:32)

Holland observes that the Church emphasizes Frassati's character over the miraculous preservation of his body, suggesting a strategic focus on relatable virtues rather than overt miracles.

Frank Walker adds skepticism regarding the Church’s handling of sainthood:

“I think it shows what their priorities are. They seem to choose saints that fit politically and create some sort of propaganda effect.”
(39:31)

He criticizes the modern canonization process, indicating a shift from genuine miraculous evidence to politically motivated selections.

French Archbishop's Controversial Appointment

A significant portion of the episode addresses a scandal within the Catholic Church in Toulouse. Frank Walker reports on the appointment of Father Spina as diocesan chancellor despite his criminal past:

“They put him in charge of children's ministry immediately after his release from prison for raping a 16-year-old boy.”
(08:53)

Ben Harnwell expresses outrage:

“You can't take a guy out of prison for repeatedly raping a 16-year-old boy and put him in charge of children's ministry.”
(09:29)

Frank Walker further critiques the systemic issues within the Church, suggesting that Father Spina's appointment is a result of internal protectionism and fear among clergy:

“Men like this are deciding who could become a priest and who doesn't get to be a priest... they have the goods on everybody and they're all afraid of him.”
(10:38)

Walker connects this incident to broader theological shifts under Pope Francis, particularly the emphasis on mercy over justice, which he believes enables such misdeeds to persist unchecked.

FTC Conference on Gender-Affirming Care with Brandon Showalter

Brandon Showalter presents harrowing case studies from a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) conference, critiquing gender-affirming medical practices:

“There are other injuries... What we have allowed to happen to America's youth and young adults under the banner of so-called gender-affirming care is an absolute and total disgrace.”
(16:28)

He details severe medical consequences faced by individuals undergoing gender-affirming procedures, labeling them as “biological vandalism” and urging for federal intervention:

“Brandon, this wasn't a one-off strong arm strategy... It's vile emotional blackmail.”
(20:53)

Showalter lauds the FTC’s efforts to address deceptive practices in the medical field, aligning them with the Trump administration’s stance against such care:

“The Trump administration is clearly moving against this medical barbarism, and it’s a most welcome sign.”
(19:08)

Impact on Families and Society

Ben Harnwell and Brandon Showalter discuss the emotional toll on families, highlighting instances where parents face coercion and blackmail to consent to gender-affirming treatments for their children. Showalter emphasizes the manipulative tactics used by some medical professionals and advocates for regulatory oversight to protect vulnerable youth.

Catholic Church’s Declining Influence and Challenges

The conversation shifts back to the Catholic Church, with Harnwell and Frank Walker analyzing its declining influence and the internal conflicts stemming from modern theological interpretations. They critique the Church's prioritization of political and financial gains over spiritual and ethical responsibilities, suggesting that such missteps are driving faithful members away.

Frank Walker remarks:

“It's just a stup— it's just a way to hit Trump on his deportations and his immigration policy.”
(46:51)

Concluding Remarks and Future Outlook

Ben Harnwell wraps up the episode by emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within both religious institutions and societal structures. He encourages listeners to remain vigilant and informed, navigating the complex interplay between faith, politics, and personal freedoms.

Notable Quotes

• Steve Bannon:
  “This is the primal scream of a dying regime... All these networks lying about the people, the people have had a belly full of it.”
  (00:03)

• Ben Harnwell:
  “You can't take a guy out of prison for repeatedly raping a 16-year-old boy and put him in charge of children's ministry.”
  (09:29)

• Brandon Showalter:
  “What we have allowed to happen to America's youth and young adults under the banner of so-called gender-affirming care is an absolute and total disgrace.”
  (16:28)

• Frank Walker:
  “They seem to choose saints that fit politically and create some sort of propaganda effect.”
  (39:31)

Conclusion

Episode 809 of WarRoom Battleground provides a critical examination of recent events within the Catholic Church and the broader implications of gender-affirming medical practices. Through passionate discussions and firsthand accounts, the episode underscores the challenges faced by religious institutions and the urgent need for societal introspection and reform.