In recent weeks, Peter Thiel, the Silicon Valley billionaire and co-founder of PayPal and Palantir Technologies, has been giving a series of lectures on the Antichrist in Rome. These events have garnered significant attention and controversy, drawing both interest and backlash from various parties. Thiel's focus on the apocalyptic concept of the Antichrist is not new, as he has previously expressed his views in essays, including one for the Catholic magazine First Things. However, his lectures in Rome have led to distancing from local Catholic institutions, including the Angelicum, which clarified that they are not affiliated with the event. Furthermore, the Catholic University of America also stated it was not sponsoring or hosting Thiel's lecture series, emphasizing the divisive nature of such discussions about the Antichrist, especially in a city so deeply tied to the Catholic faith. The lectures appear to follow a four-part series he presented in San Francisco, suggesting a continued interest in themes surrounding existential risks and humanity’s choices today. Thiel has also been a prominent political figure, supporting Vice President JD Vance and being involved in significant data mining through Palantir, particularly relating to U.S. immigration efforts. This intersection of technology, politics, and controversial theological topics has further fueled discussions about the role of influential figures like Thiel in shaping dialogue surrounding faith and apocalyptic themes, as well as the implications for modern society's understanding of such concepts.