For the first time in more than two millennia, a pope has exercised the right to vote in a United States election.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV is the first pope in history to vote in a U.S. election, confirmed by the Vatican’s press office.
- He submitted a mail‑in ballot in Illinois, a state that now permits any registered voter to vote by mail.
- The pope’s voting aligns with his expressed belief in civic duty, a stance he also practiced while residing in Peru.
The Holy See Press Office told Fox News Digital on Friday that Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, submitted a mail‑in ballot in Illinois, making him the first pontiff ever to vote in a U.S. election.
According to the press office, the pope exercised "the right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so," and the ballot was mailed from Chicago, where he is registered to vote.
Vatican confirms Pope Leo's mail‑in ballot
The statement also noted that during his years living in Peru, the Holy Father voted there whenever he was eligible, underscoring his belief that "citizens have a right and a duty to participate in democratic processes."
The ballot submission comes as Pope Leo recovers from lung‑cancer surgery performed at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital; doctors confirmed on Oct. 21 that no further cancer treatment is needed.
Legal context of Illinois absentee voting
Illinois election officials explained that the state no longer distinguishes between absentee and mail‑in ballots, allowing any registered voter to request a mail‑in ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
A spokesperson for the Will County clerk’s office verified that "Robert Prevost is on the list of individuals who requested a Vote by Mail ballot," while the governor’s campaign declined to comment on the pope’s participation.
Reader questions
Can a pope legally vote in U.S. elections?
Yes. Pope Leo XIV holds U.S. citizenship and is registered to vote in Illinois, allowing him to submit a mail‑in ballot under state law.
What legal framework permits his mail‑in ballot?
Illinois law now permits any registered voter to request a mail‑in ballot, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) also covers U.S. citizens living abroad.
Has Pope Leo voted in other countries?
The Vatican press office said he voted in Peru during his residence there, exercising his right whenever eligible.
Source: foxnews.com