The Pope Leo XIV Illinois ballot request has made history as the pontiff prepares to participate in the upcoming midterm elections. Robert Francis Prevost, who became the first American pope in May 2025, has officially sought an absentee ballot from his home state of Illinois to vote from his current residence in Vatican City.
A Historic Milestone in U.S. Elections
According to the Will County Clerk’s Office, the request for a mail-in ballot was submitted on October 3. Kim Fladhammer, the chief of staff for the clerk's office, confirmed the request on Thursday. This move marks a significant moment in both religious and political history, as Pope Leo XIV is set to become the first-ever pope to cast a vote in a United States election.
While the request has been processed, the clerk’s office noted that it has not yet received a completed ballot from the pontiff. The timeline for his vote remains somewhat uncertain, as the Pope is currently recovering from lung cancer surgery performed earlier this month. If and when the ballot is completed, it will be returned to Joliet, Illinois, for counting.
Political Friction and the Trump Feud
The Pope's participation in the Illinois midterm elections comes amid a period of public tension between the Vatican and high-ranking U.S. officials. Since his papacy began, Leo has frequently criticized the policies of the Trump administration, specifically regarding the treatment of immigrants and the ongoing U.S. war against Iran.
The conflict between the two leaders escalated in April after the Pope issued a call for peace following the initiation of U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28. Former President Donald Trump responded to the Pope’s remarks on social media, criticizing his stance on international affairs. Trump described the pontiff as “WEAK on crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy,” while also claiming credit for the Pope's rise to his current position.
“I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo,” Trump stated at the time. In response, the Pope told reporters that he had “no fear of the Trump administration” and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for global peace.
Other political figures have also weighed in on the Pope's public commentary. Vice President JD Vance, a practicing Catholic, suggested the Pope should “be careful” when discussing theology and criticized the pontiff's interference in U.S. foreign policy matters.
The Pope’s Long History of American Voting
Despite his current role as the head of the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost has a long-standing record of participating in the American democratic process. Public records reveal that he has been a consistent voter in previous cycles, including the general elections in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024.
His history also includes participation in several primary contests. Between 2012 and 2016, he cast votes in three Republican primaries. In the state of Illinois, voters do not register by party, which allows them the flexibility to choose which party's primary ballot they wish to use during each election cycle. This history of American Pope voting highlights his continued engagement with his home state’s political landscape.
Key Races on the Joliet Illinois Election Ballot
The ballot that Pope Leo XIV requested includes several high-profile races that could shape the future of Illinois and the U.S. Congress.
- U.S. House of Representatives: The Pope's district is represented by Jonathan Jackson, a Democrat and the son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Jackson is currently seeking re-election. He is also the brother of former Representative Jesse Jackson Jr.
- U.S. Senate: Democratic nominee Juliana Stratton, who currently serves as the state’s lieutenant governor, is running to succeed the retiring Democratic Senator Dick Durbin.
- Gubernatorial Race: Governor JB Pritzker is seeking a historic third term. If successful, he would become the first Democrat in Illinois history to be elected to the governor's office three times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pope Leo XIV a registered voter in the United States?
Yes, the Pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, remains a registered voter in Will County, Illinois, and has a history of voting in both primary and general elections dating back to 2012.
How can the Pope vote from Vatican City?
He requested a Vatican City absentee ballot through the Will County Clerk’s Office, which allows U.S. citizens living abroad to participate in elections via mail.
Has the Pope returned his ballot for the midterms?
As of the latest report from the clerk's office, the Pope has requested the ballot but has not yet returned a completed version to Joliet, Illinois.