Pope Leo XIV Requests Absentee Ballot for Illinois Midterms
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The first American pope has requested a mail-in ballot in Illinois, raising fresh questions about whether the Vatican’s newest figure is stepping too far into partisan politics while openly criticizing President Donald Trump and aligning himself with Democrats.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost and a registered voter in Illinois, asked the Will County Clerk’s Office for an absentee ballot on Oct. 3, according to chief of staff Kim Fladhammer. The request was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times and confirmed to NBC News.
The clerk’s office has not received a completed ballot from the pope, who underwent lung-cancer surgery earlier this month. If he fills out and returns the ballot, it will be mailed to Joliet, Illinois.
As the first American pope, Leo would become the first pontiff to cast a vote in a U.S. election. Public records show he has voted in the 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2024 general elections and in several Republican primaries, but this year’s ballot shows a clear drift toward a partisan Democratic agenda.
Since his election in May 2025, Leo has publicly criticized several policies of President Donald Trump’s administration, including the war in Iran and immigration enforcement. In April, Trump responded on social media, calling the pope “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” Those criticisms reflect a growing concern that Leo is using his platform to take sides against a president who is trying to restore order.
“I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo,” Trump said.
Leo told NBC News he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will continue to advocate for peace, language that some will see as political posturing rather than sober spiritual leadership.
Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, also warned Leo to be cautious when commenting on theology and U.S. foreign policy, a reasonable reminder that clergy should be careful before wading into matters that can affect national interests.
Leo’s ballot this year features a slate of Democratic candidates, including Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) for Congress, Senate nominee Juliana Stratton for the seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin, and Governor JB Pritzker seeking a third term.