Robert Prevost casts first papal ballot in U.S. general election
Illinois records show the Chicago-born pope has voted in five primaries since 2000, splitting between major parties.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
Five primary ballots were requested by Pope Leo XIV in U.S. elections since the year 2000. The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the Chicago-born pontiff has become the first pope to cast a vote in a U.S. general election. This action marks a historic precedent for the office in American democratic participation.
The Holy See press office stated that Leo submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the November midterm elections. He requested the ballot on October 3 and is registered at an address in New Lenox. The press office noted that Leo has voted as a U.S. citizen whenever he was eligible, including during his time living in Peru. Officials described the act as an expression of the belief in the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.
Illinois election records reveal the voting history of the pope, born Robert Prevost. The data shows he requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010 while registered in Cook County. After moving to Will County, he requested Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016. The records do not specify which candidates he supported in those contests.
Prevost submitted ballots in every general election since 2000, with the exception of the years 2020 and 2022. This pattern of participation spans both major political parties. His voting record demonstrates a consistent engagement with the electoral process despite his global religious role.
The pope’s voting habits occur against a backdrop of public friction with President Donald Trump. Trump has criticized Leo for condemning the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and for calling for dignified treatment of immigrants. Earlier this year, Trump labeled Leo weak and captive to the radical left.
Leo responded to the criticism while traveling to Algeria. He told reporters that he is not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking loudly about the message of the Gospel. He stated he will continue to speak strongly against war and promote peace, dialogue, and multilateralism. The public dispute has subsided in recent months.
