The new article dives into the voting record of Pope Leo XIV, illustrating his involvement in both Democratic and Republican primaries, shedding light on a more politically engaged papacy.
Pope Leo XIV: A Sampler of Political Participation
Pope Leo XIV: A Sampler of Political Participation
In an unprecedented exploration of a pontiff's voting history, Pope Leo XIV reveals a politically active background.
Pope Leo XIV, who ascended to the papacy recently, has demonstrated a notable history of political engagement, particularly through his voting record in Illinois. According to state and local election records, the Chicago-born pope has consistently participated in both general and primary elections over the past two decades, highlighting a rare papal intersection with American politics.
Most recently, Pope Leo XIV exercised his right to vote in the November presidential election, casting his ballot absentee. He has participated in at least ten general elections since 2000, revealing a commitment to civic duty uncommon among religious leaders. His voting behavior has shown versatility; records indicate he chose Democratic ballots in the 2008 and 2010 primary elections, while later elections saw a shift to Republican primaries from 2012 to 2016.
Documentation from Will County, Illinois, confirmed the pontiff's voting activities in various elections since 2012, affirming his involvement in the democratic process. Furthermore, records from the Illinois State Board of Elections illustrate that between 2000 and 2010, when Pope Leo XIV was known as Robert Francis Prevost, he voted regularly in Cook County.
Despite the historical ties between the papacy and political neutrality, the current pope's actions reflect a nuanced understanding of civic engagement, particularly in a state dominated by Democratic leadership. Unlike many other states, Illinois does not require voters to register with a political party, allowing voters like Pope Leo to select whichever primary ballot they choose.
Born in Chicago and raised in Dolton, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV comes from a family actively engaged in their local parish community. His life has taken him away from the Midwest, including significant time spent in Peru and Rome, yet he periodically returned to Illinois for education and various ecclesiastical roles.
This glimpse into Pope Leo XIV's voting record not only humanizes a figure often seen as distant but also reflects a bridge between faith and the broader political landscape.
