Pope Leo XIV casts mail-in ballot in Illinois for US midterms

Pope Leo XIV submitted a mail-in ballot for the United States midterm elections, making him the first sitting pope to cast a vote in an American contest. The Vatican confirmed the action on Friday, stating that the pontiff, formerly known as Robert Prevost, exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen.

According to the Holy See's press office, the Pope is registered to vote in Will County at an address in New Lenox, Illinois. This location is situated in the Chicago suburbs, not far from his hometown of Dolton. The Vatican noted that this act follows a long-standing practice of civic participation by Leo, who has voted in US elections whenever eligible.

Records from the Illinois State Board of Elections indicate that Leo has been active in US primaries since 2000. According to ABC Chicago, the data reflects that he voted in five primary elections, selecting Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times. The specific choice made in this year's general election remains private.

The Vatican added that Leo confirmed he also voted during his years of residence in Peru. He expressed a belief in both the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes. This continuity of voting rights stands out given his current global role, yet the Holy See emphasized it as a standard civic action for a US citizen.

Leo has recently engaged in public exchanges with the US government, particularly regarding the war in Iran. After President Donald Trump warned on social media that a "whole civilization will die," Leo tweeted that "God does not bless any conflict." He stated that a disciple of Christ is never on the side of those who drop bombs.

Trump responded to the Pope's comments by calling him "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy." Leo told reporters he is "not afraid of the Trump administration" and will speak loudly about the message of the Gospel. Earlier this week, the Pope met with activists from the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership in St. Peter's Square, a group that has supported migrants at Chicago ICE detention centers.

The confirmation of his vote arrives as Leo continues to balance his religious duties with his identity as an American citizen. The Vatican's statement clarified that his participation in the midterms aligns with his previous actions in other US election cycles, reinforcing his connection to the political process despite residing in Rome.