Podcast Summary: "The Truth About the New Pope and the Billion Dollar Financial Scandal at the Vatican"

Human Events Daily with Jack Posobiec
Host: Human Events with Jack Posobiec
Guest: Roger Stone
Release Date: May 12, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of Human Events Daily, host Jack Posobiec, alongside guest Roger Stone, delves into the unexpected election of the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV, and the accompanying financial scandal plaguing the Vatican. The discussion encompasses the intricate relationship between the Vatican's financial woes and their potential impact on U.S. politics, particularly concerning President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.

2. The New Pope Leo XIV

Jack Posobiec opens the discussion by reflecting on his recent experience covering the papal conclave in Rome. He emphasizes the surprise surrounding the swift election of Pope Leo XIV, an American, and hints at the political undertones of this unprecedented choice.

Notable Quote:

"The choice of an American pope clearly reacts to President Trump, and I honestly can't see this read in almost any other light a reaction to Trump."
— Roger Stone [34:37]

Roger Stone provides his analysis, noting that 80% of the cardinals were handpicked by the previous Pope, Francis, leading to the election of a moderate to progressive leader. While appreciating some of Pope Leo XIV's traditional stances—such as opposition to gender ideology and support for the right to life—Stone voices concerns over the pope's ambiguous position on illegal immigration.

Notable Quote:

"He seems to favor an open borders policy, which is hard to reconcile with the fact that the Vatican, where he is going to live and work, has very high walls and very tight security."
— Roger Stone [09:23]

3. Vatican Financial Scandal

The conversation shifts to the financial instability within the Vatican. Jack highlights the Vatican Bank scandal involving real estate and international dealings, particularly in Peru.

Notable Quote:

"Catholic Herald has news about financial crimes committed by a powerful Catholic entity called Soldatium Christine Vitae SCV, based in Peru, with huge allegations of financial scandals."
— Jack Posobiec [24:15]

Roger Stone elaborates on the Vatican's liquidity issues, suggesting that mismanagement and poor investment decisions have severely impacted their financial standing. He points out that despite appearances, the Vatican is not as financially robust as commonly perceived.

Notable Quote:

"The Church is rich, but they have liquidity problems. If they're looking for the United States to bail them out, they're looking in the wrong place."
— Roger Stone [26:53]

4. Implications for U.S. Politics and President Trump

The election of an American pope is analyzed for its potential political ramifications in the United States. Both hosts express concern that the pope's stances, particularly on illegal immigration, could become a point of contention for conservative Catholics supporting President Trump and Vice President Vance.

Notable Quote:

"The progressives will want to use this pope and his critical tweets as a wedge to break up the huge Catholic voting bloc that swung for President Trump."
— Jack Posobiec [16:59]

Roger Stone counters by emphasizing that religious issues are unlikely to sway the strong working-class Catholic base that has historically supported Republican candidates.

Notable Quote:

"Catholics understand the difference between when the Pope speaks on matters of faith and when he expresses political opinions. It is not going to change the views of a majority of non-progressive, working-class, more conservative Catholics."
— Roger Stone [19:21]

5. Illegal Immigration and the Vatican's Stance

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Vatican's position on illegal immigration. The hosts argue that the Vatican, under Pope Leo XIV, might support open borders policies, which contradict the fiscal and security measures the Vatican simultaneously enforces.

Notable Quote:

"Illegal immigration is a big multi-million, if not billion-dollar business. The Trump administration is targeting this through policies led by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem."
— Roger Stone [23:05]

Jack Posobiec underscores the belief that these immigration policies are financially motivated, benefiting certain organizations while posing challenges to national security.

6. U.S.-China Relations and International Affairs

The podcast briefly touches upon the temporary easing of U.S.-China tariffs and its positive reception in financial markets. Additionally, the role of Saudi Arabia as a geopolitical broker is highlighted, emphasizing the shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world.

Notable Quote:

"We're moving away from Israel in that regard. I think that's a good thing."
— Roger Stone [31:15]

7. Domestic U.S. Political Appointments

The episode also addresses recent political appointments within the U.S. Department of Justice, specifically the transition from Ed Martin to Judge Jeanine Pirro as the U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Both hosts praise Pirro's credentials and anticipate her effectiveness in tackling political weaponization within the criminal justice system.

Notable Quote:

"Judge Pirro is going to be just as tough as Ed Martin would have been and she's now heading a task force on political weaponization."
— Roger Stone [36:02]

8. Conclusion

Jack Posobiec and Roger Stone conclude the episode by reiterating the significance of the new American pope and the Vatican's financial challenges. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing America's interests and navigating the intricate interplay between international religious leadership and domestic political agendas.

Notable Quote:

"We're putting America first instead of putting America last."
— Roger Stone [27:07]

Key Takeaways

• Election of Pope Leo XIV: The unprecedented selection of the first American pope has sparked discussions about its political implications, especially in relation to President Trump and conservative Catholics.

• Vatican Financial Issues: Ongoing financial scandals and liquidity problems within the Vatican raise concerns about its economic stability and potential reliance on U.S. support.

• Impact on U.S. Politics: The pope's stance on illegal immigration could influence Catholic voters, though experts suggest the conservative Catholic base will remain steadfast in its political affiliations.

• International Relations: Temporary easing of U.S.-China tariffs and the evolving role of Saudi Arabia indicate shifting geopolitical dynamics towards a multipolar world.

• Domestic Political Moves: Appointment of Judge Jeanine Pirro signals a strong stance against political weaponization in the U.S. justice system.

Quotes with Timestamps

• "He seems to favor an open borders policy..." — Roger Stone [09:23]
• "The Church is rich, but they have liquidity problems." — Roger Stone [26:53]
• "Catholics understand the difference between when the Pope speaks on matters of faith..." — Roger Stone [19:21]
• "We're putting America first instead of putting America last." — Roger Stone [27:07]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the pivotal discussions from the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the topics covered, the perspectives shared, and the implications for both the Vatican and U.S. politics.