Vatican City (AP) – Pope Leo XIV has made history by becoming the first pope to vote in a U.S. general election. His participation, confirmed by the Vatican, involved submitting a mail-in ballot while he was registered to vote in Chicago for the upcoming elections on November 3.
The Chicago-born pontiff, who was born Robert Prevost, is a firm believer in civic engagement. In a statement, the Holy See press office emphasized that Leo has "exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen" whenever eligibility allowed. Prior to his papacy, he lived in Peru for over 20 years as a missionary priest and bishop, where he also participated in elections during his residency.
The current elections in Illinois are particularly significant, as voters will decide on whether to re-elect Governor JB Pritzker for a third term and fill an open U.S. Senate seat following the retirement of longtime Catholic Democrat Dick Durbin.
Reports indicate that Leo's voting activity was first highlighted by the Chicago Sun-Times, citing the Will County clerk's office that confirmed the pope’s mail-in ballot request was made on October 3, just ten days prior to his surgery for a cancerous tumor. After his procedure, he was discharged from the hospital on October 17 and has gradually resumed his duties at the Vatican.
There is some uncertainty regarding the return of the mailed ballot. The pope’s elder brother, John Prevost, was in Rome this week alongside parishioners from St. Jude's, an Augustinian-run parish in New Lenox, Illinois. John Prevost is a regular attendee at this parish, where Leo, prior to becoming pope, had given a talk back in 2024.
Historically, Robert Prevost has shown versatility in his voting patterns, as records indicate he has participated in five primary elections since 2000. He has requested Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times. While registered in the heavily Democratic Cook County, he received Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010; however, after moving to the more conservative Will County, he opted for Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016. His voting record shows a commitment to participating in every general election since 2000, with the exception of 2020 and 2022.
Since ascending to the papacy, Leo XIV has garnered attention for his critical stance towards former President Donald Trump, particularly when addressing topics such as U.S.-Israeli relations and the dignified treatment of immigrants. Trump's criticism included labeling Leo as "weak" and under the influence of the "radical left." In response, Leo has voiced his determination, stating, "I'm not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel." He reiterated his commitment to advocating for peace and dialogue as essential aspects of his mission.
The public controversy between Leo and Trump seems to have quieted in recent months, allowing the focus to shift back to the papacy and Leo's global commitments.
