Pope Leo XIV Casts Historic Mail Ballot in Illinois Midterms

Key points

• Vatican confirms Pope Leo XIV submitted a mail-in ballot for the 2026 U.S. midterms, making him the first pontiff to vote in a U.S. election.
• Leo requested the ballot on October 3 from the Will County Clerk’s Office, using his registered address in New Lenox, Illinois, where his brother resides.
• The pope holds U.S. and Peruvian citizenship and has voted in general elections since 2000, excluding 2020 and 2022, as well as in various primaries.
• Leo has been a critic of President Trump’s policies, particularly regarding immigration and the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, leading to public clashes between the two leaders.
• The vote follows Leo’s recent recovery from lung cancer surgery and his upcoming trip to South America, underscoring his active engagement despite health challenges.

Background

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected in May 2025, becoming the first American pope. He has a history of civic engagement in the U.S., having voted in multiple elections since 2000. Recently, he underwent surgery for lung cancer and was discharged in October. His relationship with the Trump administration has been strained due to disagreements over foreign policy and domestic issues, including immigration enforcement and the war in Iran.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and BBC emphasize the historic nature of Leo’s vote as the first pope to participate in a U.S. election, highlighting the Vatican’s statement on civic duty. CNN adds that he is likely the first to vote in a secular democratic election, citing historian Michael Walsh. NBC News focuses on the procedural details, noting the ballot request date and the uncertainty of whether the completed ballot has been received. All sources acknowledge the political tensions between Leo and the Trump administration, with NBC and BBC detailing specific clashes over Iran and immigration. The Chicago Sun-Times, cited by multiple outlets, provided the initial report on the ballot request.

Why it matters

Pope Leo XIV’s participation in the U.S. midterms underscores the intersection of religious leadership and civic duty, particularly for a pontiff with dual citizenship. His vote, despite ongoing conflicts with the Trump administration, signals a commitment to democratic processes. This action may influence public discourse on the role of religious figures in secular politics and could impact voter engagement in Illinois, where several key races are competitive. Additionally, it highlights the complexities of maintaining citizenship rights while holding a global religious office.

What to watch

The completed ballot is expected to be sent to Joliet, Illinois, for tabulation. The outcome of the midterms will determine control of Congress, potentially affecting the final years of Trump’s presidency. Leo is scheduled to travel to South America in November, continuing his diplomatic and pastoral activities. The political tensions between the Vatican and the White House may persist, influencing future interactions on issues like immigration and foreign policy.