Pope Leo XIV to vote in US midterms via mail

Pope Leo XIV, who holds dual US and Vatican citizenship, has reportedly applied for a mail-in ballot for the upcoming United States midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026. Various US media outlets have reported that the Pope, originally from Chicago and formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, submitted his request for absentee voting in early October to authorities in Will County, Illinois.

Will County, located southwest of Chicago, confirmed that while Pope Leo XIV has requested the ballot, a completed vote has not yet been received. The midterm elections will determine the control of all seats in the US House of Representatives and a portion of the Senate, with Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, striving to maintain their narrow majorities.

Pope Leo XIV assumed the papacy on May 8, 2025, becoming the first US-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Despite his role as the head of the Vatican, he retains his US citizenship, allowing him the right to participate in American elections. Reports indicate that he has exercised this right in the past, partaking in both Democratic and Republican primaries, as well as multiple national elections, but details of his votes remain confidential.

The political relationship between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump has been tense, as the Pope has publicly criticized several of Trump's policies, particularly on issues such as press freedom, immigration, and involvement in the Middle East. In response, Trump has issued sharp personal attacks against the Pontiff, although a face-to-face meeting has never occurred between the two leaders.

Born in Chicago in 1954, the 71-year-old Pope also possesses citizenships in Peru, where he served as a clergy member for many years, and the Vatican. His participation in US elections stems from his commitment to maintaining engagement with his place of origin, according to experts familiar with his past election activity.

Illinois, recognized as a Democratic stronghold, has consistently favored the Democratic presidential candidate in every election since 1992. However, Pope Leo XIV's voting history in the state reflects his independent approach, having participated in both Republican and Democratic primaries over the years.

In a recent development related to his health, Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery in mid-October to remove part of his right lung, with doctors diagnosing the issue as lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. As he recovers, his engagement in these midterm elections is likely a matter of personal and political interest.

The Vatican has so far refrained from commenting on the Pope's voting intentions or any political affiliations. However, his decision to partake in the elections through a mail-in ballot illustrates a connection to his roots and the ability to influence political discourse in both religious and secular arenas.