Pope Leo XIV Votes in Illinois Midterms, Makes History
Pope Leo XIV casts mail-in ballot in Illinois midterms, highlighting civic duty and political significance.
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Pope Leo XIV, also known as Robert Francis Prevost, has cast his ballot in the 2026 Illinois midterm elections, marking a historic moment as the first sitting pontiff to vote in a U.S. general election. The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the Chicago-born pope, who remains a U.S. citizen, submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago. This act underscores his long-standing belief in the importance of civic responsibility and democratic participation.
A Legacy of Civic Engagement
The Holy See Press Office stated that the pope has consistently exercised his right to vote whenever he has been eligible, including during his more than two decades spent living in Peru as a missionary priest and bishop. This commitment to democratic processes aligns with his public statements, where he has emphasized the importance of citizens engaging in political processes.
Significance in Illinois
Pope Leo’s vote carries particular weight in both Chicago and Illinois, where voters will decide an open U.S. Senate race, a gubernatorial contest, and the future composition of Chicago’s public school leadership. As the state prepares for a major political day, the outcome of these contests will shape the future of Illinois and its political landscape.
Political Context and Background
Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, was raised in the Chicago area and grew up in the south suburb of Dolton. He remains registered to vote in New Lenox, Illinois, under his birth name. His participation comes after a period of public tension with former President Donald Trump, who criticized the pontiff’s stance on immigration policies and military actions in Iran.
Political History and Ballot Choices
Public records show that Prevost has voted in both Democrat and Republican primaries over the years. He requested Democrat primary ballots in 2008 and 2010, then Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Illinois does not require voters to register with a political party, and voters may choose which party’s ballot to request in a primary. The records do not reveal which candidates he supported.
Key Contests in Illinois
The ballot arrives as Illinois prepares for a major political day. Democrat Governor JB Pritzker is seeking a third consecutive term against Republican Darren Bailey, whom he defeated by more than 12 percentage points in 2022. Pritzker has also drawn national attention as a potential contender for the 2028 Democrat presidential nomination.
The state’s open Senate race is another major contest. Democrat Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is running to succeed retiring Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin, who has represented Illinois in the upper chamber since 1997. Stratton faces Republican Don Tracy, a former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, and independent candidate Whitfield Harrington Jr.
Source: Daily Wire
