PayPal Co-Founder Peter Thiel Talks 'Antichrist' in Catholic Schools at Rome—Institutions Deny Involvement

Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel has sparked an intense theological and political row in Rome after delivering a provocative four-part lecture series on the Antichrist just outside the Vatican.

The invitation-only event, which ran from 8 to 11 March 2026, has forced several high-profile Catholic institutions to issue swift denials of any official involvement.

Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, used the platform to weave biblical prophecy into modern anxieties regarding artificial intelligence, global governance, and the erosion of Western tradition.

Catholic Institutions Deny Hosting The Event

The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, widely known as the Angelicum, issued a statement clarifying that the lectures were not organised by the university.

'We would like to clarify that this event is not organised by the University, will not take place at the Angelicum, and is not part of any of our institutional initiatives,' the university said in a statement published on its website.

The Angelicum, one of Rome's most prominent Catholic universities, stressed that the talks were not scheduled to take place on its campus.

Reports had initially suggested the university might host the event. Officials moved quickly to correct the claim.

The university has a long academic history within the Catholic Church and has trained several prominent clergy and scholars.

Who Organised The Lectures

According to organisers, the lectures were arranged by the Vincenzo Gioberti Cultural Association, an Italian intellectual group focused on Christian and classical thought.

Another group linked to the programme was the Cluny Institute, an initiative connected to the Catholic University of America in Washington. However, the Catholic University of America also said the event was not sponsored by the institution.

The university said the Cluny Institute operates as an independent initiative and that the Rome lectures were not part of its official academic programmes. The clarification came after media reports linked the university to the talks.

Thiel's Long-Standing Interest In Theology

Thiel's interest in biblical prophecy is not new. The billionaire technology investor has long spoken about theological themes, particularly the concept of the Antichrist and apocalyptic narratives within Christianity.

He often draws on the work of French philosopher René Girard, whose theory of mimetic rivalry and social conflict has influenced Thiel's thinking.

Girard's work explores how societies manage violence and moral order, ideas Thiel has referenced in discussions about modern politics and technological change. In essays and public lectures, Thiel has suggested that ancient religious texts may offer warnings about modern crises. Those concerns, he has argued, include technological disruption, geopolitical instability and social fragmentation.

Technology, Politics And Religious Debate

Thiel's lectures in Rome appear to continue that theme. The entrepreneur has previously linked the rise of artificial intelligence and global political tensions with broader philosophical questions about civilisation's future. His views have sometimes drawn attention because of his role in both technology and politics.

Thiel co-founded PayPal and later launched the data analytics company Palantir Technologies, which works with government and security agencies.

He has also played a visible role in American politics, backing Republican candidates, including Donald Trump and JD Vance.

That combination of technology influence, political involvement and religious commentary has made his Rome lectures a topic of interest within Catholic and policy circles.

For now, Vatican officials have not commented publicly on the event. But nearby Catholic institutions have made their position clear. They say the controversial lectures were not theirs.