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In another historic move, Pope Leo casts absentee US vote from Rome
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In Short: Chicago native Pope Leo XIV has cast a mail-in ballot for the upcoming US midterm elections, marking a historic first for the papacy.
The pope, formerly Robert Prevost, is registered as a Will County voter in New Lenox, Illinois, where his brother, John Prevost, lives.
Pope Leo XIV made an online request for a mail-in ballot to be sent to his New Lenox address on October 7, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Vatican press office confirmed on Friday that Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, underscoring his belief in the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.
Pope Leo XIV has previously called for 'a better kind of politics' and has frequently encouraged U.S. Citizens to engage actively in civic life.
The Chicago Tribune reported that if a staff member recognizes the pope’s name as they go through the mail-in ballots, those in the room might want to touch it to receive a blessing.
Pope Leo XIV has also voted in the 2024 US presidential election, marking his continued engagement in American democratic affairs.
The pope’s actions reflect his deep connection to his American roots and his commitment to civic participation.
Pope Leo XIV’s vote highlights the intersection of faith and democracy, a significant moment for both the Catholic Church and American politics.
Pope Leo XIV’s vote is also seen as a historic moment for the papacy, as no previous pontiff has participated in a secular democratic election.
The Chicago Tribune quoted British historian Michael Walsh, who said the development could make Leo XIV the first pope to vote in a secular democratic election.
Pope Leo XIV’s vote is a testament to his belief that participation in democratic processes is both a fundamental right and a civic duty.
The pope’s actions continue to draw attention to his efforts to promote civic engagement and active participation in democratic processes.
What this adds
Pope Leo XIV’s vote in the US midterm elections is a continuation of his efforts to encourage greater civic participation among Americans.
The pope’s actions reflect his deep connection to his American roots and his commitment to democratic processes.
Pope Leo XIV’s vote highlights the intersection of faith and democracy, a significant moment for both the Catholic Church and American politics.
Background
Pope Leo XIV visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia Lido on Sunday, marking his first parish visit in the Diocese of Rome during his pontificate.
Chicago native Pope Leo XIV has cast a mail-in ballot for the US midterm elections, marking the first time a pontiff has voted in a U.S. election.
What's confirmed
- Chicago native Pope Leo XIV has cast a local mail-in ballot ahead of the November midterms, making history as the first pontiff to vote in a U.S.
- Pope Leo XIV cast a ballot by mail in the US midterm elections, the Vatican press office said on Friday, a historic first for the American-born pontiff.
- “Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen whenever he was eligible to do so,” the Vatican press office said in a statement.
- Pope Leo XIV became the first pontiff in history to vote in an American election by submitting a mail-in ballot for the upcoming United States midterm elections, underscoring his 'belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes', Vatican News reported on Friday, citing an official announcement from the Holy See Press Office.
- He also voted in the 2024 US presidential election.
- The Holy Father met with delegations from both Villanova and the University of Notre Dame ahead of the "Eternal City Tip-Off" taking place in Rome. | Credit: Vatican Media “Growing up on the south side of Chicago, we oftentimes heard, ‘Go Irish!’” Pope Leo told the crowd.
What's still developing
- “Medicine must never become the servant of programmed death,” he once said.
- The most anticipated return: Leo XIV returns today to the embrace of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano The Pope makes a pilgrimage this September 7 to the historic Marian shrine, on an official trip that rekindles the deep devotion that marked his first steps after his election Today, September 7, on the eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, Pope Leo XIV is making one of the most significant Marian appearances of his pontificate by returning to the Basilica-Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano.
- In a deeply emotional moment, Cardinal Ernest Simoni—often called a “living martyr of communism”—presented Pope Leo XIV with a relic of Albanian martyrs who suffered persecution under a brutal regime.
- Pope Leo XIV called on France to defend human dignity, promote peace and protect the common good as he began his four-day apostolic journey to the country on September 25.
- Pope Leo XIV issued the decree granting Sheen the title of Blessed, while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, serving as the Pope’s legate and principal celebrant, read the apostolic letter during the beatification Mass.
- Since becoming pope in May 2025, Leo XIV has encouraged greater civic participation, urging Americans to speak out on major public issues, including the US-Israel war involving Iran.
- As of Oct. 29, 69 deaths were reported, with dozens more injured.
- Augustinian Father Peter Donohue, president of Villanova, and Holy Cross Father Robert Dowd, CSC, president of Notre Dame, began the audience by addressing the Pope on behalf of their universities.
- Besides, I previously explained that the pope is a Cubs fan without knowing it.