Pope Leo XIV becomes first pope to vote in a U.S. general election

Pope Leo XIV Makes History with U.S. Election Vote

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a U.S. General election, according to the Vatican. The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Chicago-born pontiff had submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. This move has sparked interest, given the pope's position as head of the Catholic Church and his previous criticisms of President Donald Trump's administration. The Vatican stated that Pope Leo has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen whenever he was eligible to do so. The pope's decision to vote in the U.S. Election is seen as a significant move, as it marks the first time a pope has participated in a U.S. General election. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Pope Leo requested a mail-in ballot on Oct. 3, just 10 days before he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung.

Illinois Elections and the Pope's Vote

In Illinois, voters are deciding on several key races, including the contest for governor, where incumbent Democrat J.B. Pritzker is seeking a third term against Republican Darren Bailey and independent candidate Collin Corbett. The pope's vote will also weigh in on the U.S. Senate race to replace Sen. Dick Durbin and various judicial and county races. The Will County clerk's office confirmed that Pope Leo is registered to vote in Illinois and had requested a mail ballot for the midterm elections. The news of the pope's vote has sparked interest, given his previous criticisms of President Trump's administration. Pope Leo has drawn criticism from President Trump for repeatedly condemning the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and calling for dignified treatment of immigrants. In response to Trump's public rebuke, Pope Leo told reporters that he is not afraid of the Trump administration and will continue to speak out strongly against war and promote peace and dialogue.

Vatican Confirmation and the Pope's History of Voting

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen whenever he was eligible to do so. The Holy See Press Office stated that the pope has also confirmed that, during his years of residence in Peru, he exercised his right to vote whenever he was eligible to do so. According to records held by the Illinois State Board of Elections, Pope Leo has voted in several primary elections, requesting Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times. The following table summarizes the pope's voting history in Illinois:

Year	Election Type	Party Affiliation
2008	Primary	Democratic
2010	Primary	Democratic
2012	Primary	Republican
2012	General	N/A
2014	Primary	Republican
2014	General	N/A
2016	Primary	Republican
2018	General	N/A
2024	General	N/A

International Context and the Pope's Upcoming Trip

The news of the pope's vote comes as dockworkers in Europe and beyond stage international strikes to denounce arms shipments and demand better working conditions. According to unions in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco, over 100 ports across multiple countries are participating in the protest movement. Experts warn that the strike could exacerbate congestion at certain ports and affect perishable goods and time-sensitive shipments. Pope Leo is scheduled to set out on a 12-day journey to three Latin American countries, including Peru, where he became a citizen in 2015 before being appointed bishop of Chiclayo. The trip is expected to take place from Nov. 11-17.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Pope Leo XIV's vote in the U.S. Election?

Pope Leo XIV's vote in the U.S. Election is significant because it marks the first time a pope has participated in a U.S. General election. The pope's decision to vote highlights his commitment to civic participation and his exercise of his right as a United States citizen.

How did Pope Leo XIV submit his vote?

Pope Leo XIV submitted his vote through a mail-in ballot in Chicago. The Will County clerk's office confirmed that the pope had requested a mail ballot for the midterm elections.

What are the implications of Pope Leo XIV's vote on the global stage?

The implications of Pope Leo XIV's vote on the global stage are significant, given his position as head of the Catholic Church. The pope's decision to vote in the U.S. Election highlights his commitment to civic participation and his exercise of his right as a United States citizen. However, the impact of his vote on the global stage remains to be seen.

As the world waits to see the outcome of the U.S. Midterm elections, Pope Leo XIV's decision to vote has sparked interest and highlighted his commitment to civic participation. According to Gerard O'Connell, America's senior Vatican correspondent, Pope Leo's decision to vote is a significant move, given his position as head of the Catholic Church and his previous criticisms of President Trump's administration. As the pope continues to recover from his recent surgery, his decision to vote in the U.S. Election has marked a significant moment in his papacy.