Pope Leo XIV has requested an Illinois mail ballot for the Nov. 3 U.S. midterms, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, putting a papal vote in the election in prospect.
The Independent reported that if Leo submits the ballot, he would be the first pope to vote in a U.S. election. Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff at the Will County Clerk’s office, told the Sun-Times that Robert Francis Prevost, Leo’s birth name, was among those seeking a mail ballot. The Independent reported that the request was linked to an address in New Lenox, a southwestern Chicago suburb.
The Sun-Times reported that Prevost had taken part in earlier presidential elections and primaries held by both Republicans and Democrats. It also said he did not vote in Illinois’ March primaries this year. Leo, 71, was born in Chicago and became pope in May 2025 after Pope Francis died. The Independent said Leo has not returned to the United States since his election.
Separately, The Independent reported that Trump criticized Leo’s opposition to military action involving Iran. Trump called the pope “weak” and “terrible,” the outlet said. Trump later argued that Leo’s position put Catholics at risk as the president sought to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The Independent described the midterms as a test of Trump’s record and cited polling that pointed to a possible Democratic return to control of the House, with the Senate also in play. The outlet said gains in Congress could lead to investigations of Trump and his associates and make it harder for the administration to advance its agenda.
The U.S. election is scheduled for Nov. 3. The Independent said Leo is due to begin a 12-day trip to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru on Nov. 6.
