Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in the more than 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church to cast a vote in a United States election. The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the American-born pontiff, originally Robert Francis Prevost, submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago.
The Vatican stated that the Pope exercised his right to vote as a U.S. citizen, marking a historic instance of a sitting pope participating directly in the electoral process of his birth nation.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive commentators and Democratic officials have highlighted the Pope’s action as a reaffirmation of civic duty and democratic engagement. The Vatican’s statement, released by the Holy See Press Office, noted that "The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes." This framing aligns with the Democratic emphasis on high voter turnout and the importance of every citizen’s voice in the electoral system. In Illinois, where the vote took place, the contest for governor features incumbent Democrat J.B. Pritzker seeking a third term, a race that has drawn significant attention from national Democratic leaders.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative observers and Republican figures have focused on the procedural aspects of the vote and the Pope’s adherence to existing laws. The Vatican confirmed that Leo also voted during his years of residence in Peru, emphasizing a consistent pattern of civic participation rather than a singular political act. Illinois State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich, cited by the Chicago Sun-Times, explained that the Pope’s vote was possible under current state law, which allows any registered voter to vote by mail. Dietrich noted, "Until 2010, it was considered absentee, and you had to have an excuse... But that’s all gone away. So that’s obviously what he’s doing." This clarification underscores the legal framework that enabled the Pope’s participation, a point often raised by Republicans who advocate for strict adherence to election laws.
What the Numbers Show
The Will County clerk’s office confirmed that Leo requested a mail-in ballot on Oct. 3. Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff for the Will County clerk’s office, stated, "Robert Francis Prevost is on the list of individuals who requested a vote by mail ballot for the upcoming election." The vote occurs amidst a broader election cycle in Illinois, including the gubernatorial race between Democrat J.B. Pritzker, Republican Darren Bailey, and independent Collin Corbett.
The Vatican also released health updates regarding the Pope, confirming on Oct. 21 that no further cancer treatment is necessary after the removal of a small lung tumor on Oct. 13. This medical timeline indicates the vote took place during a period of recovery, highlighting the logistical coordination required to cast a ballot from Rome.
The Bottom Line
The Pope’s vote sets a precedent for future American-born pontiffs regarding their participation in U.S. elections. While the Vatican did not disclose the candidate or party for which Leo voted, the act itself signals a continued engagement with the political life of his country of origin. The confirmation of the vote by both the Holy See and local Illinois officials provides verifiable documentation of this historic event. Observers will watch to see if this action influences voter turnout narratives in the final days of the election cycle, particularly in swing states and competitive races like the one in Illinois.