Pope Leo XIV casts mail ballot in Illinois midterm elections
Pope Leo XIV has cast a mail-in ballot in Illinois for the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections, the Vatican confirmed Friday, making him the first known sitting pope to vote in a political election.
The Chicago-born pontiff, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, is a U.S. citizen and remains registered to vote in Will County, Illinois. NBC News reported that he requested an absentee ballot on Oct. 3. The Vatican did not disclose his choices.
“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the Holy See Press Office said. It added that Leo has exercised his voting rights whenever eligible, including during his years living in Peru, where he also holds citizenship.
Public records cited by several outlets show that Prevost voted in multiple U.S. general and primary elections before becoming pope in May 2025. Illinois voters do not …