Pope Leo XIV casts mail-in ballot in U.S. midterm elections from Vatican City

Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV has cast his mail-in ballot for the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, marking the first time a sitting pontiff has voted in an American election. The Vatican confirmed that the pope, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, submitted his ballot to his home state of Illinois.

Voting Details

According to the Holy See Press Office, the pontiff acted on his belief that citizens have both a right and a duty to take part in democratic processes. Officials at the Will County Clerk's Office verified that a ballot request was made on October 3 with a registered address in New Lenox. Illinois state election records show he is registered in Cook County and holds dual U.S. and Peruvian citizenship. He previously voted while serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru whenever he was eligible to do so.

Background and Health

The vote comes shortly after the pope underwent lung cancer surgery. He was discharged from the hospital on October 17 and has since resumed his duties at the Vatican, alongside preparations for an upcoming trip to South America. Election records indicate he has participated in numerous past U.S. general and primary elections over the years.

Context

Citizenship laws in the United States allow individuals to retain their nationality and voting rights even if they reside abroad or serve in foreign religious roles. U.S. states manage their own voter registration rolls and mail-in ballot processes for overseas citizens.