First US-born Pope Leo XIV: Is He a Registered Republican?

In a surprising turn of events, Robert Prevost was elected as the first United States-born pope, taking the name Leo XIV on May 8, 2025. His candidacy sparked a wave of discussion across social media platforms, particularly regarding his political affiliation and voting history.

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk took to social media to claim that Prevost is a registered Republican, asserting that he has voted in Republican primaries whenever not residing abroad. Following this assertion, many users echoed similar claims and circulated what they perceived as evidence of his strong Republican alignments, including his pro-life stance.

However, a closer examination reveals that voters in Illinois, where Prevost is registered, do not officially declare a party affiliation during registration. Instead, they simply declare their preferred party when voting in primary elections. The Illinois State Board of Elections clarifies that while voters can choose a party for primary voting, they are not formally tied to that party and may choose differently in subsequent elections.

Prevost’s voter registration record indicates he is listed as “undeclared,” yet he did participate in several Republican primaries between 2012 and 2016. Most recently, he voted absentee in the 2024 general election with the same undeclared affiliation. This raises important questions about the accuracy and interpretation of information disseminated online by various sources.

The database used by Kirk and others, known as L2, has been called into question as it categorizes individuals without clear methodologies for states like Illinois, where party affiliation is not publicly disclosed in voter registration. Despite its assertions, L2 did not respond to inquiries regarding its classifications.

Prevost’s rich background as a Catholic cleric includes service in Peru, where he held the position of bishop for several years before returning to Rome. It is essential to recognize that voting history alone does not necessarily define an individual’s comprehensive views and stances, a sentiment echoed by experts who warn against drawing firm conclusions based on specific electoral participation.

While Prevost’s first election as pope represents a historic moment for the Catholic Church and American representation, the focus on his voting history illustrates a growing trend where personal and political narratives intersect in the digital age.

As discussions continue on social media platforms regarding Pope Leo XIV’s political inclinations, it remains crucial to foster a dialogue characterized by accuracy and context, transcending mere partisan divisions.

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