Pope Leo XIV Casts Mail-In Ballot For Illinois Midterms
The Vatican confirmed the first American-born pope submitted an absentee ballot for the Joliet district on Friday.
By Yara Nasser ·
Pope Leo XIV cast a ballot for the Illinois midterm elections on Friday, becoming the first U.S.-born pope to vote from Vatican City. The Holy See confirmed the vote was submitted via mail to Chicago, marking a notable intersection of religious leadership and American civic duty.
Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo, is registered to vote in Joliet, Illinois. The Vatican stated that the pontiff has exercised his right as a United States citizen whenever eligible. A spokesperson for the Holy See said, "Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so. The Holy See Press Office confirms that in keeping with this long-standing practice of civic participation, he has submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago."
Will County clerk’s office officials issued the mail-in ballot to the pope. Local election officials have not yet provided specific details on the logistics of the request. The Vatican noted that Leo also voted during his years of residence in Peru, where he holds citizenship. This consistent engagement in voting reflects his commitment to civic duties, regardless of his location.
The pope has a history of voting regularly in Illinois. He participated in several primary and general elections over the years while living in the state. The upcoming midterms will determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
The Vatican’s confirmation came on October 30, the same day the article was published. The vote serves as a reminder that the pope retains his U.S. citizenship despite residing in Rome. No other details regarding the specific candidates or parties supported were released by the Vatican.
