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Vatican confirms Pope Leo voted in midterm election, submitted mail ballot
Chicago Sun-Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV has become the first pontiff in history to vote in a U.S. election by submitting a mail-in ballot from Vatican City, according to a statement from the Vatican.
- The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo exercises his right to vote as a U.S. citizen whenever eligible, including during his time living in Peru, emphasizing his belief in civic participation.
- Chicago-born Pope Leo, registered to vote in Illinois under the name Robert Francis Prevost, has a history of voting in both Republican and Democratic primaries and general elections dating back to 2008.
- In the recent midterm elections, the pope voted on key races including the U.S. Senate seat to replace Sen. Dick Durbin and Governor JB Pritzker’s reelection bid, among other local contests.
- Illinois officials highlighted that all registered voters, including overseas citizens, have the right to vote by mail under UOCAVA, with Governor Pritzker encouraging participation by noting the pope’s vote from Vatican City.
