Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program – "Ranking the Pope Candidates (Based Solely on Their Names)" | Guest: John-Henry Westen | Released May 7, 2025

Introduction and Context

In this engaging episode of The Glenn Beck Program, host Glenn Beck delves into a variety of pressing topics, weaving together political commentary, cultural critiques, and a deep dive into the Catholic Church's conclave for selecting a new Pope. The episode features guest Stu Burguiere and culminates with insights from John-Henry Westen, CEO of LifeSiteNews.com, who provides real-time coverage of the Papal conclave from Rome.

1. NATO and the European Union: A Humorous Take

Glenn Beck kicks off the discussion with a humorous yet critical perspective on NATO and the European Union. Reflecting on a recent vacation in Europe, Beck humorously laments the Europeans' lack of understanding of simple pleasures like ice in their drinks:

"They don't understand ice. Nobody uses ice in any of their sodas, their water, nothing. They give it to you warm and room temperature at best." [05:26]

He uses this anecdote to transition into a broader critique of NATO alliances, emphasizing his stance against aligning with entities that lack simple cultural understanding.

2. Met Gala and the Decline of the Democratic Party

Beck transitions to a scathing critique of the Democratic Party, using the recent Met Gala as a focal point. He references an article by Ed Scarry, highlighting the perceived lack of talent and inflated egos within the party:

"They're just these overinflated egos that are meaningless, that are just coming up with their own self-importance... it's over for the Democratic Party." [05:36]

He further criticizes the fashion elite, particularly Coco Chanel, for their historical associations with the Nazis, suggesting a symbolic reflection of current political dynamics.

3. Economic Insights: China’s Internal Struggles

Shifting to economic matters, Beck discusses the turmoil within China, noting massive layoffs and protests as Western companies like Apple reconsider relocating production to India:

"Mercedes Benz just shut down one of their big factories in China... Some good news on that." [27:52]

He underscores the instability in global supply chains and the ripple effects on American industries, alluding to broader geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

4. The Perils of AI and Social Media on Human Connections

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in eroding genuine human relationships. Beck argues that AI cannot replace true friendships, warning of manipulation and isolation:

"AI cannot, must not, and will never be your friend. And if you buy into that fantasy, you're opening a door to a world of manipulation, isolation, and control." [54:37]

He draws parallels between AI's influence and historical propaganda techniques used by the Nazis, emphasizing the loss of authentic human connections in the digital age.

5. The Papal Conclave: Analyzing Pope Candidates

The core of the episode centers on the Catholic Church's conclave to elect a new Pope. Beck and guest Stu Burguiere humorously rank the candidates based solely on their names, associating them with food items like "Pizza Balla" and "Mateo Zupi":

"Can we at least discuss how awesome the names are?... ‘Pizza Balla,’ the guy's last name is Pizza Baller." [69:05]

While the name-based ranking serves as a lighthearted entrance, the discussion quickly deepens into a critical analysis of the Church's current state. Beck expresses concern over the lack of conservative candidates and the overwhelming influence of cardinals appointed by the liberal Pope Francis:

"There’s a burden now in the conclave, as all the cardinals that are now going to be voting were appointed by Francis. He increased the number of cardinals... 81% more than 81%." [97:17]

Key Insights from John-Henry Westen:

John-Henry Westen provides an in-depth perspective on the conclave's dynamics, highlighting the potential for a liberal or globalist Pope who aligns with Pope Francis's controversial reforms. He raises alarms about the inclusion of Chinese sympathizer Cardinal Stephen Chow:

"He is the head of the patriotic Catholic Church, and he was accepted by Francis as a legitimate bishop. It’s impossible even to think." [110:47]

Westen elaborates on historical parallels, such as antipopes and the resurgence of Protestant-like factions within the Church, expressing skepticism about the integrity of the conclave's outcome.

6. Prophecies and the Future of the Catholic Church

Beck intertwines discussions of religious prophecy with the current conclave, referencing apparitions like Fatima and La Salette that forewarned of internal conflicts and the rise of figures like the Antichrist within the Church:

"Our lady also warns that there will be a battle in the church... Rome will lose the faith and become the seat of Antichrist." [120:01]

He connects these prophecies to contemporary events, suggesting that the Church is on the brink of significant turmoil influenced by political and ideological shifts.

7. Concluding Remarks and Upcoming Announcements

As the episode wraps up, Beck hints at upcoming announcements related to AI tools he is developing to combat its negative influences. He reinforces his stance on maintaining human authenticity in relationships and the broader cultural landscape.

"You must use [AI], and you must use it now. But don't ever, ever, ever trust it. Never." [60:57]

Beck concludes by reiterating the importance of understanding and resisting the encroachment of AI on human lives, positioning himself and his listeners as vigilant against such advancements.

Notable Quotes:

• "AI cannot, must not, and will never be your friend." – Glenn Beck [54:37]

• "The American dream is about the absence of chains and legal, cultural, and bureaucratic chains that bind you to somebody else's vision of your life." – Glenn Beck [29:11]

• "This is a nightmare scenario. Because then, hey, it might calm down. We’re not going to do anything new. We’re just going to hold it here." – Glenn Beck [116:09]

Conclusion

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues, from the internal politics of the Catholic Church's conclave to the societal impacts of AI and social media. Through a blend of humor, historical analysis, and urgent warnings, Beck and his guests provide listeners with a critical lens on the forces shaping modern American culture and global religious institutions.

Disclaimer: This summary is based on a transcript provided and aims to capture the essence and key points of the podcast episode. It is intended for informational purposes and does not represent an endorsement of the views expressed by the speakers.