Pope Leo XIV Casts Historic Mail-In Ballot
First American-born pontiff, recovering from lung surgery, returned a Will County ballot ahead of Illinois’ Nov. 3 midterms.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed on October 30 that Pope Leo XIV has submitted a mail-in ballot for Illinois’ November 3 midterm elections, becoming the first pope in history to cast a vote in a U.S. election.
The American-born pontiff requested the ballot on October 3 from Will County election authorities. He has now returned it, exercising his rights as a United States citizen. The races covered include the U.S. Senate and the Illinois governorship.
Civic Duty Affirmed
In a statement, the Holy See Press Office said: “Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so.” It added that he “expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.”
The act continues a pattern of civic participation that predates his election to the See of Peter. He previously voted in Illinois primaries and cast ballots while residing in Peru. As a U.S. citizen, he remains eligible to take part in American elections when the law permits, including by absentee or mail-in means when he is outside the country.
Continuity Amid Recovery
The confirmation comes as the Holy Father continues his recovery from lung surgery. The decision to request and return the ballot underscores an emphasis on ordinary civic responsibility even during a period of convalescence and the demands of the papal office.
For Catholics formed in the social teaching of the Church, the episode illustrates a familiar principle: political participation is not foreign to Christian life. The faithful are called to promote the common good through lawful means, including the ballot when they hold citizenship in a free society. The Pope’s public affirmation of that right and duty places the accent on conscience and responsibility rather than on any particular candidate or party.
No details of his individual choices on the ballot have been disclosed, consistent with the secrecy of the vote. What has been made plain is the fact of participation itself and the Holy See’s willingness to state it clearly on the record.
Illinois voters go to the polls on November 3. By completing his mail-in ballot in advance, Pope Leo XIV has joined millions of citizens who will shape the outcome of the midterms while remaining at the service of the universal Church.