Pope Leo XIV Casts First Papal Mail Ballot in US Midterms

Pope Leo XIV cast a mail-in ballot in Chicago this week.

The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the pontiff voted in the upcoming November midterm elections. This marks the first time a pope has participated in a US general election. Leo, born Robert Prevost, requested the ballot on October 3. He is registered at an address in New Lenox, Illinois.

Illinois election records show Prevost has voted in five primary elections since 2000. He requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010 while registered in Cook County. After moving to Will County, he requested Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016. The records indicate he submitted ballots in every general election since 2000, with the exception of 2020 and 2022. The data does not reveal which specific candidates he supported.

The Holy See press office stated that Leo has voted as a US citizen whenever he was eligible, including during his time living in Peru. A spokesperson for the office said the Holy Father believes in the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes. Leo’s ties to Illinois stem from his birthplace and his long-standing residency in the state before his election to the papacy.

The vote occurs amid a recent public dispute between the pope and President Donald Trump. Trump had called Leo weak and captive to the radical left earlier this year. Leo responded by saying he is not afraid of the administration and will continue to speak out against war. He emphasized the need for peace, dialogue, and multilateralism among states. The public tension between the two leaders has subsided in recent months.