Pope Leo XIV Casts Mail-In Ballot for Illinois Midterms
The Chicago-born pontiff submitted a vote ahead of the November elections, becoming the first pope to participate in a U.S. general election.
By Talia Bennett ·
Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a United States general election. The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the pontiff, born in Chicago, submitted a mail-in ballot before the November midterm elections.
The Holy See press office stated that Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen whenever eligible. The statement noted that he also voted while living in Peru. The office added that the Pope believes citizens have a duty to participate in democratic processes.
The Chicago Sun-Times first reported the vote, citing the chief of staff at the Will County clerk’s office. According to that official, the Pope is registered at a New Lenox address and requested a mail-in ballot on October 3. It remains unclear how the ballot was returned to the clerk.
His brother, John Prevost, was in Rome this week accompanying parishioners from St. Jude’s in New Lenox. Leo attends Mass at that Augustinian-run parish and gave a talk there in 2024 while still a cardinal.
Illinois State Board of Elections records show Prevost voted in five primary elections since 2000. He requested Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times. The records do not indicate which specific candidates he supported. Illinois requires voters to declare a party preference for primaries, but not for general elections.
Prevost requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010 while registered in Cook County. He requested Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016 after moving to Will County. He submitted ballots in every general election since 2000 except for 2020 and 2022.
The Pope has faced criticism from President Trump over comments regarding the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and the treatment of immigrants. Trump earlier this year called Leo weak and captive to the radical left. Leo told reporters while traveling to Algeria that he was not afraid of the administration or of speaking out about the Gospel. He said he would continue to speak against war and promote dialogue among states.
