WarRoom Battleground EP 815: BREAKING: Outrage As Vatican Appoints Priest Imprisoned For Distributing Child Porn To Senior Post

Release Date: July 25, 2025
Host: WarRoom.org (Stephen K. Bannon)

Introduction

In this poignant episode of Bannon’s War Room, host Stephen K. Bannon delves into two major scandals within the Catholic Church that have ignited outrage and concern among believers and critics alike. The discussions center around the Vatican's controversial decision to reinstate a priest convicted of child pornography and a similar case unfolding in France involving a priest who abused a minor.

Vatican Scandal: Father Carlo Capella’s Reinstatement

Timestamp [00:27] - [16:14]

Liz Yore provides an in-depth analysis of Father Carlo Capella's case. Father Capella, an ordained priest from the Archdiocese of Milan, was part of the Vatican's diplomatic corps assigned to the prestigious U.S. Embassy in Washington, D.C. In 2017, during a Christmas vacation in Windsor, Ontario, he was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, with over 40 illicit images and videos found on his computer.

Despite the severity of his crimes, Father Capella was convicted by the Vatican criminal court, receiving a five-year sentence and a fine. Remarkably, after serving his time, he was reinstated to the Vatican's Secretariat of State, specifically the second section responsible for international relations.

Notable Quotes:

• Liz Yore [03:21]: "The Vatican charged him and they have a criminal court... he was found to have more than 40 criminal images and videos which he shared on social media."
• Ben Harnwell [05:56]: "Possession and distribution. Right. There's no generous interpretation one can give."
• Liz Yore [08:56]: "This is really emblematic of... the rules for some, but not for me. It is shocking to me."

Key Points:

• Diplomatic Immunity Controversy: The U.S. State Department requested the Vatican to waive Father Capella’s diplomatic immunity, but the Vatican declined, allowing him to flee to Rome. Ultimately, he was convicted but then reinstated, raising questions about preferential treatment.

• Church Response: The Vatican’s statements downplaying the severity of his crimes and promoting his reinstatement suggest a troubling pattern of prioritizing institutional reputation over justice for victims.

• Lack of Accountability: Father Capella was not laicized and returned to a significant diplomatic role, indicating potential internal favoritism and inadequate punitive measures against offenders.

French Diocesan Scandal: Bishop Gerard and Father Spina

Timestamp [18:49] - [26:17]

Frank Walker discusses the ongoing scandal in France, where Bishop Gerard of the Vivier Diocese has taken unexpected steps to correct the actions of his predecessor in Toulouse. The previous bishop had promoted a priest, Father Spina, to the position of Chancellor despite Father Spina’s history of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy over several years.

Notable Quotes:

• Frank Walker [18:49]: "This is how it was always dealt with in the past. So we have a lavender mafia, and that's why they're so careless..."
• Ben Harnwell [24:58]: "Do you think there's a Vatican secret protocol here on the rehabilitation of priests who’ve been convicted of some kind of sexual offense?"

Key Points:

• Fraternal Correction: Bishop Gerard issued a fraternal correction, a Catholic practice intended to morally guide and correct fellow clergy, but it falls short in addressing serious crimes adequately.

• Reintegration of Abusers: Father Spina, a convicted abuser, not only remained active within the diocese but was also granted significant authority, echoing the Vatican’s actions in Father Capella’s case.

• Systemic Issues: Both cases highlight a systemic failure within the Catholic Church to appropriately punish and prevent abusers from holding positions of power, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and impunity.

Analysis and Insights

Timestamp [26:17] - [37:34]

The episode features critical analysis from Liz Yore and Frank Walker, who draw parallels between the Vatican’s and French Church’s handling of abuse cases. They argue that these actions reflect a broader issue of institutional favoritism and a failure to protect victims.

Notable Quotes:

• Liz Yore [10:07]: "This to me shows the Vatican is not taking these crimes seriously."
• Frank Walker [35:43]: "They have absolutely no remorse... They don't understand justice at all, especially for people who are guilty of these sorts of crimes."

Key Points:

• Normalization of Abuse: The restoration and promotion of convicted criminals within the Church suggest an alarming trend towards normalizing abuse rather than addressing it.

• Lack of Remorse: Church officials involved in these cases exhibit no genuine remorse or commitment to justice, undermining trust among the faithful.

• Call for Accountability: The commentators urge for Pope Leo to take decisive action against such offenders, advocating for their removal from any ecclesiastical positions.

Switzerland’s Alarming Elderly Suicide Rates

Timestamp [43:51] - [49:59]

Jenny Holland shifts the discussion to Switzerland, a nation often hailed for its progressive stance, revealing a disturbing fourfold increase in suicide rates among individuals over 85 years old. This surge is attributed to the liberal policies surrounding assisted suicide, which have led to its misuse as a means of eliminating elderly individuals deemed burdensome.

Notable Quotes:

• Jenny Holland [43:51]: "The message being sent to women, elderly women, is they have no place in society... they should kill themselves."
• Ben Harnwell [47:43]: "This is not the proper order of things in any way."

Key Points:

• Assisted Suicide Misuse: Switzerland's liberal assisted suicide laws have resulted in euthanasia being increasingly used by elderly women suffering from depressive disorders rather than terminal illnesses.

• Cultural Implications: The rise in suicide rates signifies a societal failure to value and support the elderly, posing a grave warning for other nations considering similar policies.

• Moral and Ethical Concerns: The episode underscores the ethical dilemma of balancing personal autonomy with societal responsibility, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to prevent abuse.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with a stark warning about the potential implications of these scandals and societal trends:

• Vatican Accountability: The reintegration of convicted abusers signals a need for global attention and reform within the Catholic Church to prioritize justice and protect the vulnerable.

• Societal Responsibility: The alarming suicide rates among Switzerland's elderly serve as a cautionary tale for the United States and other nations contemplating or implementing assisted suicide laws.

Final Thoughts: Stephen K. Bannon and his panel of experts emphasize the urgency of addressing these deeply ingrained issues, advocating for systemic change to prevent further injustice and societal harm.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• Steve Bannon [00:03]: "This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies because we're going medieval on these people."

• Ben Harnwell [00:25]: "MAGA MEDIA I wish in my soul."

• Liz Yore [05:56]: "The Vatican criminal court convicted him. He pled actually guilty, I believe..."

• Frank Walker [35:43]: "They have absolutely no remorse... They don't understand justice at all."

This episode of Bannon’s War Room sheds light on critical issues within the Catholic Church and societal policies in Switzerland, urging listeners to recognize and respond to these challenges proactively.