Pope Leo XIV, a registered voter in Illinois, has taken steps to participate in the upcoming midterm elections by requesting a mail-in ballot from the Vatican, where he currently resides. This move marks a significant moment as he becomes the first American pope to vote in a U.S. election.
Identified by his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo requested his absentee ballot on October 3, according to Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff at the Will County Clerk’s Office. However, it remains uncertain if he has completed and mailed the ballot yet. NBC News confirmed that the clerk’s office has not yet received it.
Despite undergoing lung cancer surgery earlier this month, there is no confirmation on whether the pope has cast his vote. Should he proceed, it would be sent to Joliet, Illinois, where he is registered. This election is particularly noteworthy as it features a series of strongly Democratic races, including Rep. Jonathan Jackson, the son of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.
Pope Leo’s political stance has often been vocal, especially concerning the Trump administration’s policies. He has criticized various aspects, including the treatment of immigrants and the U.S. war against Iran. This has led to a notable exchange of words between him and Trump, who labeled the pope as “weak on crime” following Leo’s calls for peace amid escalating conflicts.
Vice President JD Vance also directed criticism towards the pope, cautioning him to be mindful when discussing theological issues related to U.S. foreign policy.
With previous participation in elections dating back to 2012, including Republican primary votes, Pope Leo’s engagement in the electoral process represents a unique intersection of faith and politics as the nation heads towards a pivotal election.
As the political landscape becomes increasingly charged, the pope’s vote could carry significant implications, especially in races involving prominent Democratic figures such as Juliana Stratton, the state’s lieutenant governor, who is campaigning to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Governor JB Pritzker is also running for re-election, aiming to make history as the first Democrat to serve three terms in that position.
Photo credit: Elisabetta Trevisan
