Pope Leo XIV casts absentee ballot for Illinois midterms

The Vatican confirmed on Friday that Pope Leo XIV cast an absentee ballot for the upcoming midterm elections in Illinois. This marks a historic moment for the first American-born pontiff, who is voting while residing in Vatican City.

The Holy See Press Office stated that the pope exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen. The statement noted that he submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago in keeping with a long-standing practice of civic participation. The Vatican emphasized that the pontiff has done so whenever he was eligible to do so.

Pope Leo, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, is registered to vote in Joliet, Illinois. The Will County clerk's office issued the mail-in ballot to him, although local officials have not yet commented on the transaction. The pope has a documented history of voting regularly in the state, having participated in several primary and general elections over the years.

The Vatican also pointed out that Pope Leo voted during his years of residence in Peru, where he holds citizenship. This consistent engagement in voting reflects his commitment to civic duties, regardless of his location. The confirmation from the press office serves as the official record of his participation in this specific cycle of democratic processes.