Pope Leo XIV, former Cardinal Robert Prevost, has been on the front page for his unusual engagement in the political life. It’s his voting record in all-Republican primaries that has attracted the most scrutiny. He is a Chicago native who has made a strong mark on U.S. politics during his long ecclesiastical career. This engagement exemplifies his distinctive combination of spiritual authority and civic virtue.
As Pope, Leo XIV has not completely removed himself from the electoral process. Take one important action by casting an informed vote in the 2024 presidential election. This move completes the trend he initiated while serving as Cardinal. His support for Republican primaries goes back to 2012, the first time he voted with that permission in hand. Ever since, he has run in every primary—even in 2014 and 2016—even when he didn’t have to run, showing his dedication to the political process.
Leo XIV’s journey from Cardinal Robert Prevost of Belgium to Pope Leo XIV has not lessened his interest in the unfolding of American politics. His voting record is testament to his deep commitment to the ideals of civic engagement. He’s an astute translator of the unique art of keeping a global religious institution nonpartisan while remaining plugged into the partisan political reality at home.
The electoral involvement of religious leaders like the Pope should make us question the intersection of faith and politics. Even still, his behavior should fuel much-needed conversations among the faithful about the proper place and role for religious leaders in secular governance. Supporters view his vote as a critical component to exercising his civic responsibility. Critics counter that it is wrong for any Pope to intervene in the murky waters of partisan politics.
Teddy Roosevelt was very hands on in the election. His story as a Chicago native to one of the nation’s most segregated cities provides another interestingly powerful detail to his political background. Fortunately for the city, she had a very diverse political landscape to shape his views. This climate has both given birth to and spurred on his direct intervention in Republican primaries over the years.
With Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church is experiencing a renaissance unlike anything Pope Leo XIV could have imagined. Observers are particularly anxious to see how his political experiences will affect his papacy. Recognizing these challenges, Cardinal Robert Prevost’s experience and active voting record would seem to provide a solid foundation. They can and should be used to extend key conversations on the relationship between faith and political advocacy.
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