Pope Leo XIV Casts Vote in Illinois Midterm

Pope Leo XIV cast his ballot in the 2026 midterm elections, making him the first pope in history to vote in a U.S. election. The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the pontiff, formerly known as Robert Prevost, exercised his right to vote as a citizen.

The Holy See’s press office stated that Leo has maintained a long-standing practice of civic participation. Although he resides in Rome, he is registered to vote at an address in New Lenox, Illinois. According to multiple news outlets, he requested and submitted a mail-in ballot in Will County, located in the Chicago suburbs.

This is not the first time the pope has participated in American elections while living abroad. The Vatican noted that he voted during his years of residence in Peru whenever he was eligible. The press office said Leo believes in the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.

Illinois State Board of Elections records show that Leo voted in five primary elections since 2000. ABC Chicago reported that he requested Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times. The records do not indicate which candidate he supported in the general election.

The vote comes amid a visible tension between the pope and President Donald Trump. In recent months, Leo has criticized the administration’s handling of the war in Iran. After Trump warned on social media that a whole civilization would die, Leo responded with a tweet stating that God does not bless any conflict and that disciples of Christ are never on the side of those who drop bombs.

Trump described the pope as weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. The Pentagon denied a formal clash between the two leaders, but the exchange drew national attention. Leo told reporters he is not afraid of the administration or of speaking out about the message of the Gospel.

Earlier this week, the pope met with members of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership in St. Peter’s Square. The group has supported migrants facing uncertainty and detainees at the Broadview ICE detention facility in Chicago.