Pope Leo requests mail-in ballot for upcoming US elections

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, has requested a mail-in ballot to participate in Illinois’ upcoming midterm elections while residing at the Vatican.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago-born pontiff remains a registered voter in Illinois and submitted his ballot request on October 3.

“Robert Francis Prevost is on the list of individuals who requested a vote by mail ballot for the upcoming election,” said Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff at the Will County clerk’s office.

The ballot was dispatched from Joliet to Vatican City, where Leo has led the Catholic Church since May 2025.

Election records indicate that the pope previously participated in Republican and Democratic primaries, alongside several general elections.

His ballot will cover contests involving Illinois’ governorship, US Senate seat and local offices.

The 71-year-old pontiff recently resumed public duties after undergoing surgery that confirmed lung cancer.

He has also publicly criticised several policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.