Vatican Confirms Pope Leo XIV Casts Mail-In Ballot in Illinois

Pope Leo XIV has made history by casting a ballot in a U.S. election, becoming the first pontiff ever to do so.

The Holy See Press Office confirmed Friday that Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, submitted a mail-in ballot in Illinois, according to Fox News.

He is the first American-born pope in the Catholic Church’s more than 2,000-year history.

“Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so,” the press office told Fox News Digital. It also confirmed that he submitted his ballot in Chicago.

The Vatican said Leo participated in elections during his years living in Peru as well, provided he was eligible to vote there. The pontiff believes citizens have both a right and a responsibility to take part in democratic processes, according to the statement.

Officials in Illinois also confirmed that Prevost had requested a mail-in ballot. Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff for the Will County clerk’s office, told the Chicago Sun-Times that he appeared on the list of voters who requested one for the upcoming election.

Illinois voters will decide several races, including the contest for governor. Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker is seeking a third term against Republican Darren Bailey and independent candidate Collin Corbett.

The state's voting rules allow registered voters to cast ballots by mail without providing a reason. Illinois State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich explained that the state eliminated its old excuse requirement for absentee voting in 2010.

“There is also a law called UOCAVA, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act that is mostly for the military, but it’s also for U.S. citizens who are overseas,” Dietrich told the newspaper. He added that any registered Illinois voter can choose to vote by mail.

Leo’s participation comes as the Vatican has also shared updates about his health. On Oct. 13, the Holy See announced that the pope underwent a procedure at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome to remove a small tumor from his right lung.

His doctors confirmed Oct. 21 that no additional cancer treatment was needed following the removal of the tumor.