Pope Leo XIV has cast his vote in the United States midterm elections through a mail-in ballot submitted to Illinois officials, establishing a historic precedent as the first pope to participate in American electoral processes. The Chicago-born pontiff, who became the Vatican’s leader in May 2025, requested his ballot from the Will County Clerk’s Office earlier this month. Vatican officials stated that the Holy Father views voting as both a right and responsibility of citizens in democratic systems, noting that he exercised this privilege during his previous years in Peru as well.
The timing of the pontiff’s ballot submission comes amid significant developments in his health and ongoing political tensions. Less than two weeks after requesting his mail-in ballot, the Vatican disclosed that he had undergone surgery to address a lower lobe of his right lung following a lung cancer diagnosis. Despite this medical situation, Vatican authorities confirmed he intends to proceed with planned travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in early November.
Relations between the pontiff and the Trump administration have been notably contentious since his elevation to the papacy. The two leaders clashed in April over matters of foreign policy, particularly regarding peace initiatives following US-Israeli military actions in Iran. Trump publicly criticized the pontiff’s positions on nuclear weapons and peace advocacy, while Pope Leo XIV responded by emphasizing the Church’s mission to preach gospel teachings and promote peace.
The midterm elections scheduled for 3 November will determine congressional leadership and significantly influence the remainder of Trump’s presidency. Current polling suggests Democrats hold an advantage in contests for the House of Representatives and have opportunities to gain additional Senate seats, particularly in areas that previously voted heavily for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Republican officials have intensified campaign activities in traditionally conservative strongholds as election day approaches.
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