Pope Leo XIV and Politics: Unpacking the Speculation Around His Alleged Republican Affiliation

Since the historic election of Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost — as the first US-born pope on 8 May 2025, intrigue and speculation have swirled around his political leanings. While the new pontiff's pastoral and theological positions are now under the global microscope, online commentators and political influencers have fixated on one question: Is Pope Leo XIV a registered Republican?

The short answer: there is no credible evidence that Pope Leo XIV is formally affiliated with the Republican Party. Claims that he is a "registered Republican" have been widely circulated, but official records and state laws undermine this assertion.

The Origin of the Claim

Just one hour after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel announcing the new pope, pro-Trump commentator Charlie Kirk took to social media. In a widely shared post, he claimed:

“Our Turning Point Action team pulled the voting history for Pope Leo XIV. He’s a registered Republican who has voted in Republican primaries when not living abroad. Our data shows he’s a strong Republican, and he’s pro-life.”

Accompanying the post was a screenshot purporting to show a voting card from the state of Illinois, listing Prevost’s name, date of birth, and the word "Republican" next to his supposed party affiliation. The implication was clear: Pope Leo XIV was not only a conservative Catholic leader but also a committed Republican voter.

However, this “voting card” is not authentic.

Illinois Doesn’t Register Party Affiliation

The state of Illinois, where Robert Prevost lived and voted before his relocation to Rome, does not register voters by political party. This policy has been confirmed by multiple election oversight bodies, including the Illinois State Board of Elections and judicial advocacy organisations such as the Alliance for Justice. Voters in Illinois do not declare a party affiliation when registering to vote, meaning it is not possible for someone to be officially listed as a “registered Republican” or “registered Democrat” in that state.

Therefore, any document claiming to show party registration for Prevost is not an official or legally recognised record.

What the Voting Records Actually Say

Despite the inaccuracy of the “Republican registration” claim, some facts have emerged about Prevost’s voting behaviour. According to official records shared with Euroverify by the office of the attorney general of Will County, Illinois, Prevost requested Republican primary ballots in the years 2012, 2014, and 2016.

In Illinois, voters can request a party’s primary ballot during each election cycle — but this does not mean they are formally affiliated with that party. Voters are free to choose a different party’s ballot in the next election. This dynamic system reflects temporary preferences rather than permanent political alignment.

Interestingly, Reuters also reported — citing a public information officer — that Prevost requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010 while registered in Cook County, Illinois. This bipartisan voting history further muddies attempts to paint him as ideologically committed to either major political party.

In general elections from 2012 through 2024, Prevost’s official party status remained listed as “undeclared”.

Social Media Scrutiny

The ambiguity of Prevost's voting history hasn't stopped speculation from spreading. Many social media users have tried to dig deeper, examining his online activity prior to his papal election.

In one example, months before becoming pope, Prevost shared a critical article from the National Catholic Reporter that rebuked a controversial statement by Republican Vice President JD Vance. The article, titled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others”, challenges the idea that Christians should prioritise fellow citizens over foreigners — a message that contradicts nationalistic interpretations of Christianity common in some right-wing circles.

Additionally, in April 2025, Prevost posted a criticism of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policy, particularly highlighting the deportation of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador — a decision denounced as a legal error by multiple Supreme Court justices.

A Papacy Beyond Partisan Labels

While the question of Pope Leo XIV’s past political choices continues to fuel online debate, it's worth noting that the Catholic Church is not a political institution. Though popes have long played roles in global affairs, their mission remains rooted in spiritual leadership, moral guidance, and service to the global Catholic community.

Trying to assign modern US political labels to Pope Leo XIV may overlook the more complex theological and humanitarian issues that define papal governance. As the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, the pope is expected to rise above national politics and represent the universality of the Church.

Pope Leo XIV’s voting history suggests a pragmatic, possibly moderate approach to politics — one shaped by conscience rather than partisan allegiance.

Conclusion

There is no credible evidence that Pope Leo XIV is a registered Republican. While he has participated in both Republican and Democratic primaries over the years, his voting behaviour reflects the flexible structure of Illinois elections rather than a fixed party affiliation. As the new pontiff begins his spiritual leadership, efforts to define him through a narrow political lens risk missing the broader, more meaningful work he is poised to undertake on the global stage.