In brief
In a revealing turn of events, state and local records from Illinois highlight that Pope Leo XIV, the newly appointed pontiff, has actively engaged in the voting process for the past two decades. Official documents indicate that the pope, who was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, has cast ballots in at least ten general elections since 2000, with his most recent participation noted in November when he submitted an absentee vote in the presidential election.
Records show that the pope has varied his political affiliations at the polls, voting in Democratic primaries in 2008 and 2010, and opting for Republican ballots in subsequent elections between 2012 and 2016. This information was made public following a release of voting records from Will County, a suburban area of Chicago, which confirmed his participation in multiple elections.Pope Leo XIV's voting history reflects a unique aspect of Illinois' electoral framework, where voters are not required to register with a specific political party, allowing for their selection of any party's ballot during primary elections. Despite residing outside the U.S. for significant periods during his ecclesiastical career, the pope retains his voting rights as an American citizen.Having grown up in Dolton, Illinois, within a family strongly connected to their local parish, the pope has not lost touch with his roots. He returned to Illinois several times for educational pursuits, including graduate studies, and has maintained ties with the Midwest Augustinian community.Nancy Smith and Susan C. Beachy also contributed to this report. Mitch Smith serves as a national correspondent, focusing on the Midwest and Great Plains for The Times.
