Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was an active participant in recent Republican primaries. He also voted in the 2024 presidential election.
A new report reveals that the Chicago-born pontiff was deeply involved in U.S. politics. He took particular interest in Republican elections.
Pope Leo XIV actively voted in GOP primaries
According to records from the Washington Free Beacon, Pope Leo XIV, born in Dolton, Illinois, actively participated in Republican primaries from 2012 to 2016.
As a registered voter in Illinois, he cast ballots in Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
Additionally, he participated in general elections in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024, further cementing his involvement in US elections.
Pope Leo XIV’s voting record reveals republican participation
Illinois voters don’t need to register with a party.
However, Leo XIV’s voting record shows he only participated in Republican primaries.
This suggests that despite his eventual position as Pope, Leo XIV maintained a steady alignment with conservative politics in the US.
Leo XIV’s is speculation never Trump republican
Leo XIV’s 2016 Republican primary vote is notable, as it was his last participation before skipping the general election that year.
This raises questions about his political stance, with some speculating that he may have been a never-Trump Republican.
His voting behavior and early criticism of Trump’s policies hint at his potential political disagreements with the former president.
Over the years, Leo XIV voiced strong disapproval of President Trump’s immigration policies on social media.
Previously, Pope Leo XIV criticized Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Pope Leo XIV’s social media activity reveals his ongoing criticism of Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
One tweet specifically referenced the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a father of three who was deported to El Salvador.
The post read: “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?”
Additionally, Pope Leo XIV also criticized JD Vance for misusing Catholic teachings to defend Trump’s harsh immigration policies.
He also supported a letter from Pope Francis that challenged Vance’s views, signaling disapproval from two popes in a row.
This has predictably led to the internet tearing Vance to shreds. ”This new Pope had me at ‘JD Vance is wrong,’” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another person joked, “jd vance killed pope francis only for the new pope to hate him even more,” while someone else posted, ”good news everyone, the new pope still hates jd vance.”
Pope Leo XIV’s public criticisms of JD Vance and Trump’s policies
In addition to his criticisms of Trump’s immigration stance, Leo XIV has also rebuked key Republican figures, including Vice President JD Vance.
In 2023, he shared a post stating, “Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.
The message was a direct response to JD Vance’s political views. This act reflected Pope Leo XIV’s broader critique of right-wing ideology.
It also underscored his progressive stance on social justice issues.
Despite his election as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, his Republican primary voting and outspoken criticisms suggest a complex political identity.
As Pope, Leo XIV’s views on social justice, immigration, and political leadership are likely to continue influencing his approach to global issues.