Core Event

The Vatican confirmed on October 30, 2026 that Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, submitted a mail-in ballot from Chicago ahead of the November 3, 2026 U.S. midterm elections.

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Video: Pope Leo discharged from Rome hospital ahead of schedule after successful lung surgery

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Background & Context

Leo XIV, the first American-born pope elected in May 2025, retains U.S. citizenship and is registered to vote in New Lenox, Illinois. Illinois law allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act extends voting rights to Americans abroad.

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Visual evidence

Pope Leo XIV blasts 'delusion of omnipotence' fueling war in IranPhoto: gulfcoastnewsnow

Pope Leo becomes first pope to vote in a US general electionPhoto: google

Pope Leo XIV arrives to lead his traditional Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square. Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesPhoto: cbsnews

Milwaukee's Catholic community gathers following Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosisPhoto: google

LOURDES, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 27: Pope Leo XIV attends a prayer of the holy rosary and torchlit procession at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on September 27 in Lourdes, France. Pope Leo XIV is making his first official visit to France from September 25-28 with stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. While in Lourdes, the pontiff's agenda includes a mass and torchlit procession at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, as well as a private meeting with survivors of alleged sexual abuse by figures in thePhoto: audacy

Where do I vote on Election Day? Find Illinois polling places by countyPhoto: google

Chicago celebrates Pope Leo XIV, first U.S.-born pope with Midwest tiesPhoto: google

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Timeline

October 3, 2026 – The Will County Clerk’s Office verified the pope’s absentee ballot request under his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost. “Robert Francis Prevost is on the list of individuals who requested a vote by mail ballot for the upcoming election,” — Kim Fladhammer.

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October 30, 2026 – Vatican press office announced the pope’s ballot request and his historic participation.

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November 3, 2026 – U.S. midterm elections, including the Illinois Senate seat and governorship.

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Data & Statistics

The 2026 ballot includes the Illinois Senate race, the gubernatorial contest, and several local judicial races in Will County.

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Official Statements & Responses

The Vatican press office emphasized the pope’s long-standing practice of civic participation, noting his voting while residing in Peru. Vatican officials have not disclosed how the completed ballot was returned to Illinois.

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Criticism & Opposition

President Donald Trump criticized the pope, calling him “weak” and accusing him of being “captive to the radical left.”

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a US election

“I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo,” — Donald Trump.

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Conflicting Reports & Gaps

The Chicago Sun-Times and the Will County Clerk’s Office confirmed the ballot request, but as of October 30, 2026 it was unclear whether the completed ballot had been mailed back. Some outlets reported that the county had not yet received the ballot, leaving the actual casting of the vote unverified.

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Why It Matters

Leo XIV’s participation marks the first time a sitting pope has voted in a secular democratic election, highlighting the intersection of religious leadership and civic duty and underscoring tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration.