A recent viral story claiming Pope Leo XIV actively participated in Republican primaries and voted in the 2024 presidential election has taken the internet by storm. The headline, often accompanied by the playful moniker ‘Grand Old Popey,’ quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread confusion and amusement. However, a closer look reveals a fabricated narrative built on a foundation of misinformation.
The original source of the claim is currently inaccessible due to a reported DDoS attack on the website hosting the article. This lack of access prevents independent verification of the story’s details. However, the sheer absurdity of the claim – a sitting Pope engaging in partisan US politics – should raise immediate red flags for anyone encountering this information.
The Catholic Church maintains a strict policy of neutrality in political affairs. The Pope’s role is primarily spiritual and focused on matters of faith. Direct involvement in the partisan politics of any nation would be a significant departure from this long-standing tradition and highly unlikely.
The quick spread of this false story highlights the dangers of unverified information online. The ease with which misinformation can proliferate, particularly on social media platforms, underscores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking before sharing any news, especially when it seems too extraordinary to be true. This incident serves as a stark reminder to always verify information from multiple reliable sources before accepting it as fact.
In conclusion, the tale of ‘Grand Old Popey’ is, unfortunately, nothing more than a hoax. While the initial source remains temporarily unavailable, the inherent improbability of the claim, combined with the Church’s well-established political neutrality, renders the story demonstrably false. Let this serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of responsible online information consumption.
