Pope Leo XIV casts ballot in U.S. Midterm election

The Vatican confirmed Friday that the pontiff submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago prior to the upcoming midterm elections. This action reflects his longstanding commitment to civic engagement.

According to the Holy See press office, Leo, formerly known as Robert Prevost, “has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen” and has consistently done so whenever eligible. He also participated in elections while residing in Peru.

“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the statement read.

The Chicago Sun-Times initially reported on the pope’s participation. A spokesperson from the Will County clerk’s office confirmed that a ballot was requested on October 3rd at an address in New Lenox.

The method of ballot return remains unknown. John Prevost, the pope’s brother, recently visited Rome with parishioners from St. Jude’s parish in New Lenox, Illinois.

Robert Prevost has a history of voting in Illinois elections, having participated in five primary elections since 2000. Records from the Illinois State Board of Elections indicate he requested Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times.

While his party preferences are documented, the specific candidates he supported are not publicly available. Prevost requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010, and Republican ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016 after relocating to Will County.

Records show he has voted in every general election since 2000, excluding the 2020 and 2022 elections.