Vote #TheColorPurple for #AMorePerfectUnion

By Eric Stradford, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

AMWS, October 30, 2026 Alkebulan  --  If conflict resolution in the U.S. mid-term elections depended on one vote, yours, would you choose ActBlue, WinRed, or #TheColorPurple?

The United States has roughly 440-450 Catholic bishops—including The Bishop of Rome.  The color most associated with a bishop is violet (purple), often appearing as a purple sash, piping, skullcap (zucchetto), and other elements of his official attire.  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) does not typically endorse political parties or candidates, but their collective corporate interests point to a shared need for change.  The church  publishes guidance focused on issues such as abortion, religious liberty, immigration, poverty, racism, and care for the vulnerable.

The United Nations has called on Church Universal to believe #NoPoverty2030 is #MissionPossible.   Recent reports state that Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) voted by mail in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, becoming the first pope known to vote in a U.S. election while serving as pope. The Vatican confirmed that he submitted an absentee ballot from the Vatican to Illinois and said he believes citizens have a right and duty to participate in democratic processes.

Public election records reviewed by various news organizations show that he participated in both Democratic and Republican primaries over the years in Illinois. In practical terms, Christians are the largest voting bloc in the United States and remain one of the most influential groups in national elections.  The U.S. has roughly 240–250 million voting-age citizens, so Christians make up well over 150 million potential voters. Based on the share identifying as Christian, that works out to roughly 160 million+ adults. 

Followers of The Bishop of Rome are no strangers to historically overwhelming odds. In 1896, the forces of Emperor Menelik II defeated an invading Italian army at the Battle of Adwa. The victory forced Italy to recognize Ethiopian sovereignty, making Ethiopia one of the few African states to remain independent during the "Scramble for Africa."

Key facts:

• Battle: Battle of Adwa (March 1, 1896)
• African leader: Menelik II of Ethiopia
• European invader: Italy
• Outcome: Decisive Ethiopian victory and preservation of independence.