How John Podesta and the Extreme Left Captured the Catholic Church
Unveiling the Planned Collusion to Subvert Catholicism
For over a decade, the radical left, with John Podesta as a pivotal figure, has been executing a calculated campaign to undermine the Catholic Church's traditional stance. The 2016 WikiLeaks email leaks brought to light a disturbing narrative of strategic maneuvering within the Church's highest echelons. This investigation seeks to expose the truth behind these actions, revealing how this planned collusion has manipulated the Church's internal dynamics and cast shadows over the legitimacy of Pope Francis's papacy. From financial dealings to political pressures, this piece aims to shine a light on the forces reshaping one of the world's oldest religious institutions.
The 'Catholic Spring' Scheme:
WikiLeaks Exposure: The emails between Sandy Newman, president of Voices for Progress, and John Podesta, then chairman of Hillary Clinton's campaign, discussed the idea of a 'Catholic Spring.' This was not an organic uprising but an orchestrated effort to push for progressive reforms within the Church. Newman's email from February 2012, as uncovered by WikiLeaks, explicitly suggested instigating a movement akin to the Arab Spring, but within the Catholic Church, focusing on issues like gender equality and reproductive rights (see wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/6293).
Podesta's Admission: Podesta's response to Newman confirmed the existence of organizations like Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good (CACG) and Catholics United, which were specifically established to promote this 'Spring.' He noted, "We created Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good to organize for a moment like this," indicating a pre-planned strategy to influence Church doctrine from within (see wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/6293).
Strategic Maneuvers: The plan involved leveraging funds from progressive donors, including George Soros's Open Society Foundations, to support these organizations. By fostering grassroots activism among Catholic laity and exerting pressure on Church hierarchy, they aimed to shift the Church's teachings towards secular progressive values. This included organizing campaigns against Catholic bishops who opposed the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate, highlighting a direct challenge to Church teachings (see independentsentinel.com/soross-disturbing-influence-over-the-catholic-church).
Leveraging Papal Scandals:
Pope Benedict XVI's Exit: The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013 was surrounded by speculation, with many believing that external forces used the Church's internal crises to orchestrate his exit. The timing was too convenient for those seeking a more progressive leader. Reports suggest that Podesta and his network might have been part of this pressure, with some suggesting former Vice President Joe Biden even met with Benedict to discuss his resignation (see lifesitenews.com/news/pope-benedict-xvi-resignation-raises-questions-about-pressure-from-leftist-groups).
Sexual Abuse and Cover-ups: The Church under Benedict faced relentless exposés of sexual abuse scandals, which were not only a crisis of faith but also a strategic weapon for reformists. The leaks and media coverage were utilized to undermine the Church's moral authority, with some alleging these were part of a broader campaign to discredit traditionalist leadership (see ncronline.org/news/accountability/sexual-abuse-scandals-continue-haunt-catholic-church).
Vatileaks Scandal: The leaks about Vatican financial corruption, known as 'Vatileaks,' included documents showing mismanagement and possible criminal activities within the Vatican Bank. These revelations, coming at a time of leadership transition, were seen by some as deliberate attempts to weaken Benedict's position, paving the way for a pope more aligned with progressive ideologies (see theguardian.com/world/2012/jun/12/vatileaks-scandal-popes-butler).
Allegations of Blackmail: There were persistent rumors of a 'gay lobby' within the Vatican using blackmail to influence decisions, particularly around the time of Benedict's resignation. This adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting that internal factions might have been coerced or manipulated into supporting a change in leadership (see nytimes.com/2013/02/22/world/europe/vatican-whistleblower-details-bid-to-expose-corruption.html).
Pope Francis: The Progressive Pawn?
Jesuit Influence: Pope Francis, with his Jesuit background, was already inclined towards social justice, making him a natural fit for the progressive agenda. His election in 2013, following Benedict's resignation, was seen by some as the culmination of years of groundwork laid by progressive networks within and outside the Church (see jesuits.org/news-detail?TN=NEWS-20130313031357).
Policy Alignment: Since his election, Pope Francis has focused on issues like poverty alleviation, climate change, and migration - all central tenants of Podesta's progressive advocacy. His encyclical "Laudato si'" on environmental care and his welcoming stance on refugees have resonated with the left's political platform, raising questions about his alignment with external influences (see vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html).
Questionable Ascension: While definitive proof of Podesta's direct influence on Francis's election is elusive, the alignment of his papacy with progressive politics, coupled with historical context, suggests that external pressures might have played a role. The timing, coupled with the involvement of Podesta's organizations in Catholic politics, invites scrutiny (see firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2016/10/those-catholic-wikileaks).
Financial Leverage and the China-Vatican Deal:
2018 Agreement: The provisional agreement between the Vatican and China in 2018 allowed Beijing a say in the appointment of Catholic bishops in China, sparking controversy. Reports suggest this deal was not just about spiritual unity but also involved significant financial transactions, potentially billions, from China to the Vatican, raising questions about the Church's autonomy (see reuters.com/article/us-pope-china-deal/pope-approves-china-bishops-deal-seeking-to-end-decades-old-schism-idUSKCN1MI17G).
Critique of Motives: Critics argue this was an example of the Vatican compromising its spiritual independence for financial support. This deal could be seen as part of a broader pattern where financial needs dictate policy, potentially under the influence of those who see the Church's coffers as a means to an end (see catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-china-vatican-deal-a-compromise-for-the-greater-good-40742).
A Decade of Subversion:
Funding the Change: Organizations connected to Podesta, like the Center for American Progress, have received substantial funding from left-leaning donors aimed at influencing Catholic institutions. These funds were used to support campaigns and initiatives that challenge traditional Catholic moral teachings on various social issues (see opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/past).
Grassroots to Grass Ceiling: The strategy was two-pronged: encourage laity activism for reform while simultaneously lobbying Church leaders. This dual approach sought to create a cultural shift within the Church, from the pews to the pulpits (see catholicleague.org/podesta-must-now-be-fired).
Doctrinal Erosion: Traditionalists within the Church express concern over what they perceive as a watering down of Catholic doctrine under the guise of modern relevance. The push for changes in teachings on marriage, family, and sexuality is seen by some as a direct result of this external influence (see lifesitenews.com/news/pope-francis-continues-to-push-for-radical-change-in-the-catholic-church).
The Broader Implications:
Church's Soul on the Line: This isn't merely an internal Church matter but a broader commentary on how global political agendas can infiltrate religious institutions. The integrity of the Catholic Church, and by extension all religious bodies, is at stake when they become pawns in political games.
A Warning to All Faiths: The manipulation of the Catholic Church serves as a cautionary tale for all faiths. When religion is used to serve political ends, the spiritual mission risks being lost.
The Battle for Catholicism's Future: The ongoing tension between progressive and traditional elements within Catholicism could determine its path for centuries to come, with the Church's future hanging in the balance between maintaining its spiritual heritage or succumbing to secular ideologies.
Conclusion:
This investigation has peeled back the layers of a sophisticated, decade-long campaign by the radical left, with John Podesta at its helm, to fundamentally alter the Catholic Church. The evidence of planned collusion, from leveraging scandals to influencing papal elections, paints a picture of an institution under siege by those who wish to use it for their ideological battles. This exposé is not just about uncovering the truth; it's a call to vigilance for all who hold sacred the separation of faith from political manipulation.