Pope Leo Casts Mail-In Ballot in Chicago for U.S. Midterm Election
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The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago, marking the first time a pope has voted in a U.S. general election.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, became the first pontiff to vote in a United States general election after submitting an absentee ballot for the November 3 midterm elections. The Vatican’s press office said Leo exercised his right to vote as a U.S. citizen, a practice he has followed whenever eligible.
"The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes," the Vatican statement read.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed the act, urging Catholics to prioritize faith over politics and uphold human dignity.
"In voting, our Holy Father sets the example that encourages each citizen to exercise their civic responsibility," said Chieko Noguchi, director of public affairs for the conference.
Leo, who also holds Peruvian citizenship and serves as the sovereign of the Vatican City State, requested the ballot on October 3, ten days before undergoing surgery for a lung tumor. He was released from the hospital on October 17 and has been gradually resuming his duties.
Illinois voters will decide on a successor to retiring Senator Dick Durbin and the re-election of Governor J.B. Pritzker. Records from the Illinois State Board of Elections show Leo has voted in five primary elections since 2000, requesting Democratic ballots in 2008 and 2010 and Republican ballots in 2012, 2014 and 2016. The Vatican did not disclose which candidates he supported.
The pope’s voting activity occurs amid ongoing tensions with President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized Leo’s positions on foreign policy and immigration.