Chief Religious Editor, Rob Gocklin
The Spirit of Judas in Modern Politics
The spirit of Judas Iscariot has once again reared its ugly head—this time in the form of Steve Bannon. While it’s no surprise to me, many of my friends were shocked. I feel compelled to speak out, because nothing gets under my skin more than a backstabbing Judas.
Steve Bannon has been making waves across YouTube and other media platforms, asserting that Pope Leo XIV is not the valid pope, claiming the election was rigged. According to Bannon, this alleged corruption was all about politics and, unsurprisingly, money.
Money and Misinformation
Bannon’s worldview seems to revolve around wealth and influence. Because of this, he assumes that’s all the Catholic Church is about too. He claims to be a Catholic, and that’s what makes his actions especially harmful—because Judas-like betrayal hits hardest when it comes from within.
He’s not just questioning the legitimacy of Pope Leo XIV, but he’s also claiming that all our cardinals are corrupt and that the Church is evil. Bannon and others like Carlo Viganò and Mel Gibson set themselves up as the “true Catholics,” discrediting the authority of the Church.
The Rigged Election Theory
Viganò, the disgraced former archbishop, now claims no pope has been validly elected since 1958—a claim he never used to make until it became trendy in certain circles. Mel Gibson has held this belief for some time. According to them, the Church has been under illegitimate leadership for over 60 years.
Bannon echoed this narrative during Pope Francis’s entire papacy, constantly asserting that even his election was rigged. It’s clear he’s not just a spiritual Judas—he’s a political one as well.
The Political Grifter: Bannon’s Betrayal of Trump
Many people new to politics are surprised to learn Bannon is a backstabbing grifter. I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.
In Trump’s first administration, there were constant leaks from the White House to media outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and MSNBC. These leaks were traced back to none other than Steve Bannon. Once Trump discovered this, he fired Bannon.
And what did Bannon do? He retaliated by attacking Trump, writing a book full of lies about the former president and even his children. Later, when Trump pardoned him after what many saw as politically motivated charges from the FBI, Bannon conveniently climbed back aboard the Trump train.
Not the Only Judas in the Spotlight
But Bannon isn’t the only one. Taylor Marshall also spent 12 years discrediting Pope Francis, promoting falsehoods that were later debunked by me and many faithful priests on YouTube. Like Bannon, Marshall also turned on Trump when he thought the former president wouldn’t win re-election.
Marshall, claiming to be a devout Catholic, criticized Trump on issues important to Catholic voters, suggesting we needed a “Catholic president.” He even went so far as to announce he was running for president under a new political party—the Christ the King Party.
He made this declaration on LifeSite News, stating he was “100% running.” But after getting publicity and possibly financial support, he abruptly reversed course, saying there was no chance he could win.
The Publicity Stunt That Fell Flat
Even Peter Diamond, whom I disagree with on theology, did an excellent job exposing Marshall’s flip-flopping. His video detailed Marshall’s contradictions and labeled the whole campaign a “publicity stunt.”
Glenn Beck: Another Unexpected Betrayer
Another name that might surprise people is Glenn Beck. During Trump’s first campaign, Beck criticized him relentlessly and claimed to vote Libertarian. Only after Trump gained momentum did Beck switch sides.
Ironically, Beck—a practicing Mormon who considers the Catholic Church and the pope evil—invited Taylor Marshall onto his show. Together, they spoke to millions, spreading misinformation and calling Pope Francis evil.
A Message to the Faithful: Trust the Church
I’m calling these people out by name because I’m tired of the Judases in the Church and in politics. One benefit of getting older—I’ll be 60 this year—is that I’ve seen a lot. Many people new to Catholicism or politics might be fooled by the “hardcore Catholic” image some of these figures project.
Give them time. Just as they turned on Pope Francis, they’ll turn on Pope Leo XIV. Right now, the zeitgeist and the money are on Pope Leo’s side. But when that changes, so will they.
Final Thoughts: Stay Catholic
Don’t trust these political chameleons. Trust in Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church, and the pope He gave us.
God bless, stay Catholic, and God bless Pope Leo XIV.
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