Is Bannon Fifth-Columning the Pope?
Frank Cocozzelli printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Mon Feb 27, 2017 at 03:11:21 PM EST
In December 2016 I wrote about how White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who likes to flash his Catholic credentials when it comes to economics, displays no interest in actual Catholic teachings on economics. Perhaps that his because his position is at odds with that of Pope Francis, and as recent news reports suggest, he may also have joined forces with Vatican opponents of the Pope's emphasis on refugees, tolerance, and spiritually.
On February 7, 2017 The New York Times published an article that suggests "Steve Bannon Carries Battles to Another Influential Hub: The Vatican." The story outlined how Bannon appears to be now engaging in a Fifth Column action within the Vatican in support of ultra-traditionalist forces who are unhappy with the Pope's social justice message. These forces take issue with Francis's more tolerant tone towards Syrian refugees, his call for economic fairness and his pro-environmental stances, particularly when it comes to climate change.

This reactionary "Shadow Church" features some familiar names.  First and foremost is the former Archbishop of St. Louis, Missouri,