Pope Leo casts mail-in ballot in Illinois

The Vatican confirmed on Friday that Pope Leo XIV voted in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. The American-born pontiff submitted a mail-in ballot, making him the first pope to exercise this right in an American election.

The Holy See press office stated that the pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has voted as a U.S. citizen whenever eligible. The Vatican noted that the Holy Father believes it is both a right and a duty for citizens to participate in democratic processes.

The Chicago Sun-Times first reported the vote, citing the chief of staff at the Will County clerk's office. That official said the pope, who is registered at a New Lenox address, requested the ballot on Oct. 3. This request came just days before his coronation.

Leo has a history of civic engagement in the United States. The Vatican said he voted during his nearly two decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru. He holds citizenship in both the U.S. and Peru.

Records from the Illinois State Board of Elections show that Prevost was registered to vote in Cook County. The Associated Press reported that he voted in five primary elections since 2000. He chose Democratic ballots in 2008 and 2019, and Republican ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Illinois has closed primaries, requiring voters to declare a party preference for those contests. No such declaration is needed for general elections.

According to the AP, the pope submitted ballots in every general election since 2000, with exceptions in 2020 and 2022. He is currently recovering and resuming activities at the Vatican after recent health issues. He is also preparing for a trip to South America next month.

In a general audience on Sept. 2, Leo told the faithful to leave behind passivity toward current events. Speaking in St. Peter's Square, he said believers must listen with their hearts and become involved. He added that Christians are called to take on the burdens of others, especially those crushed by injustice, discrimination, and violence.