Bannon, Epstein and the plot against Pope Francis

Bannon, Epstein and the plot against Pope Francis

Author: ABC Australia February 18, 2026 Duration: 28:36
Buried in the latest tranche of documents about the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein is an extraordinary exchange of emails. They involve Epstein and the one-time adviser to Donald Trump, Steve Bannon. They discuss a plot to bring down the late Pope Francis. Bannon had long disliked Francis, but these emails suggest a deepening conspiracy. Claire Giangrave has been studying the emails.  Professor  Anthea Butler, civil rights historian and theologian, discusses the life and ministry of the Rev, Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who has died, aged 83. It was a revolution where barely a shot was fired. Nuns armed with rosary beads helped lead millions of Filipinos in peaceful demonstrations that, 40 years ago this week, brought down the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Ringing in the ears of the people was the voice of a soft-spoken archbishop who urged them to topple a corrupt and increasingly brutal regime. Just how critical was Cardinal Jaime Sin and the Catholic Church to the People Power revolution? Filipino historian Dr Jethro Calacday is currently with Cambridge University. GUESTS: Claire Giangrave, Rome-based reporter for RNS, covering the Catholic Church and the Vatican. Prof Anthea Butler, civil rights historian and theologian from the University of Pennsylvania Dr Jethro Talacday, Filippino historian currently at Cambridge University  

Produced by the ABC, The Religion and Ethics Report-Separate stories podcast digs into the complex and often unseen forces shaping our world. Each episode is a deep, standalone exploration of how belief, morality, and spiritual practice intersect with the headlines and the human stories behind them. We move beyond simple soundbites to present nuanced conversations and reported features that consider the ethical dimensions of power, the cultural impact of faith, and the personal search for meaning. You’ll hear from a diverse range of voices-theologians and philosophers, community leaders and activists, artists and everyday people-all contributing to a vital examination of contemporary life. This podcast doesn’t offer easy answers but instead provides the context and depth needed to understand the pivotal role of religion and ethics in Australian society and across the globe. It’s for anyone curious about the deeper currents driving conflict, compassion, and change in our communities. Tune in for thoughtful, independent journalism that treats these profound subjects with the seriousness and specificity they deserve.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Religion and Ethics Report - Separate stories podcast
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