A recent visit to Rome by the US co-founder of artificial intelligence (AI) companies with links to US defence and intelligence agencies is drawing scrutiny.
The three-day visit of Peter Theil, a long-time ally of US President Donald Trump, that ended yesterday, came amid an apparent expansion of his influence into political and cultural spheres, as well as reports that the US billionaire may be exploring business ventures with the Italian Government.
Thiel attended an invitation-only, closed-door event near the Vatican.
The discussions centred on a subject more often found in theology than Silicon Valley boardrooms: The figure of the Antichrist and the threat this concept poses to modern society and Western civilisation.
Parallel to these meetings, Italian media reports suggest parallel discussions that could evolve into co-operation agreements with Rome.
The gatherings, organised by a private Italian cultural association tied to political and intellectual circles, brought together around 150 selected participants, including academics, executives, journalists and politicians.
Phones were banned, and access was tightly controlled — factors that contributed to the aura of secrecy surrounding the initiative.
Brussels Signal spoke with some attendees to piece together the direction of the discussions.
Thiel’s Rome stop forms part of his broader international tour spanning Paris, Tokyo and Silicon Valley, where he has presented his interpretation of the Antichrist as a framework for understanding modern technological and political change.
In Rome, he delivered four lectures followed by discussions moderated by Peter Robinson of the Hoover Institution, a former speechwriter for former US president Ronald Reagan.
Rather than addressing business or investment strategy, Thiel reportedly outlined a broader ideological and theological vision. He described the Antichrist not as an individual but as a totalitarian dynamic — one that could emerge through the combined misuse of technology and political power.
AI, in his view, remains a neutral tool: Capable of reinforcing such a system or resisting it. He referenced thinkers such as German political theorist Carl Schmitt and German neo-orthodox theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer to frame his argument.
Within this perspective, Europe was portrayed as the historical foundation of western civilisation but increasingly weakened — lacking demographic momentum, innovation and clear strategic direction.
The focus triggered concern among both religious and political observers. Catholic commentators criticised what they saw as the instrumental use of theological concepts outside traditional doctrine, while Italian analysts questioned Thiel’s potential influence on public debate.
Some interpreted his presence as evidence of growing soft power in Italy — with possible implications should it translate into concrete initiatives.
That possibility gained traction following a report by the Italian newspaper Domani that claims Thiel is considering business projects in co-operation with the Italian Government.
According to sources cited by the outlet, potential areas include advanced technology, AI and strategic infrastructure — sectors aligned with Thiel’s existing interests and network.
Although Thiel held no official meetings with Vatican officials or the Italian Government — and did not meet Pope Leo XIV or Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — the overlap between his intellectual agenda and reported business ambitions has intensified speculation.
For a figure long positioned at the intersection of technology, politics and ideology, the Rome visit suggests a broader shift.
What began as a series of philosophical lectures may ultimately point to a more concrete role in shaping strategic and economic developments in Italy.
