While speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Athens, Georgia, Vice President JD Vance said that Pope Leo XIV should “be careful” when he talks about theology. The pope recently criticized the war with Iran.
Apparently, back in January, a State Department official made a reference to the Avignon Papacy to the Vatican’s chief diplomat.
For those not familiar with the geopolitical history of Europe and the Catholic Church, this was a period in the 1300s where the French monarchy did their level best to basically co-opt and strong arm the church so they could squeeze money out of them, and led to a schism for a time.
Put another way: that is by far the most thinly-veiled direct threat I’ve ever heard anyone make to the Vatican in my life.
Apparently, back in January, a State Department official made a reference to the Avignon Papacy to the Vatican’s chief diplomat.
For those not familiar with the geopolitical history of Europe and the Catholic Church, this was a period in the 1300s where the French monarchy did their level best to basically co-opt and strong arm the church so they could squeeze money out of them, and led to a schism for a time.
Put another way: that is by far the most thinly-veiled direct threat I’ve ever heard anyone make to the Vatican in my life.
Peter Thiel is trying to buy himself a papacy.