Pope Leo votes in Chicago

Pope Leo XIV cast a vote in a United States general election this week, a first for the office. The Vatican press office confirmed on Friday that the Chicago-born leader submitted a mail-in ballot.

The Holy See stated that Leo has voted as a U.S. citizen whenever he was eligible. The statement added that he believes citizens have a right and duty to participate in democratic processes.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the pope requested his ballot on Oct. 3. He is registered at a New Lenox address. Illinois election records show that Robert Prevost, Leo’s birth name, has voted in five primary elections since 2000.

The records indicate he requested Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times. While registered in Cook County, he requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010. After moving to Will County, he requested Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

The documents do not specify which candidates he supported. The records also show he submitted ballots in every general election since 2000 except for 2020 and 2022.

Leo has faced public friction with President Donald Trump since taking office. Trump criticized the pope for condemning the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and calling for better treatment of immigrants. Earlier this year, Trump described Leo as weak and captive to the radical left.

Leo responded to the criticism while traveling to Algeria. He told reporters that he was not afraid of the administration. He said he would continue to speak out against war and promote peace through dialogue among states. The public dispute has subsided in recent months.