Papal Ballot: Leo XIV Casts Vote in Illinois Midterms

Pope Leo XIV cast a mail-in ballot in Illinois for the upcoming midterm elections, becoming the first pope in history to vote in a U.S. contest. The Chicago-born pontiff, who turned 71 last month, registered his vote through the Will County Clerk's Office. This action places him directly within the democratic machinery of the country where he was born, despite residing in the Vatican.

The Holy See Press Office confirmed the vote in a statement, noting that the Pope views participation in democratic processes as both a right and a duty for citizens. Officials stated that Leo XIV has exercised this right whenever eligible, including during his time serving in Peru. The Vatican highlighted that he remains a U.S. citizen by birth, having been selected to the papacy in May 2025.

The timeline of the vote intersected with a period of personal health challenges for the pontiff. On October 3, the Pope requested his mail-in ballot from local election officials. Less than two weeks later, the Vatican announced that he underwent surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of lung cancer. Despite the procedure, the Vatican confirmed last week that he will proceed with his planned travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in early November.

The vote comes amid heightened tensions between the Vatican and the White House. In April, conflicts arose after the Pope called for peace following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. President Donald Trump responded critically, stating, "I don't think he's doing a very good job." Trump added, "We don't like a Pope that's going to say that it's OK to have a nuclear weapon. I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo." The Pope countered that the Church's mission is to preach the Gospel and peace, adding, "If someone wants to criticise me for preaching the Gospel.. I hope simply to be listened to because of the value of God's words."

The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, though early voting has already begun in most states. The results will determine control of Congress and influence the final years of the Trump administration. Current polls indicate that Democrats are favored to gain control of the House of Representatives. They are also positioned to win seats in areas that voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. In the Senate, Democrats appear to have a chance to secure additional seats.

As the election date approaches, political leaders from both parties are traveling across the nation to mobilize supporters. Republican officials have held rallies in states where their party typically holds a strong advantage. The competition for seats in both chambers of Congress is intensifying in the final days before voters head to the polls.