Pope Leo XIV casts Illinois ballot in first US vote by a pope
Why it matters: The Chicago-born pontiff remains a US citizen as the Nov. 3 midterms near and control of Congress is at stake.
Pope Leo XIV submitted a mail-in ballot in Illinois for the Nov. 3 midterm elections, becoming the first pope known to vote in a US election. The Holy See press office said the Chicago-born pontiff has voted as a US citizen whenever eligible, including during his years in Peru. NBC News reported he requested a ballot from the Will County Clerk's Office on Oct. 3. The vote comes as early voting is underway across much of the country ahead of elections that will decide control of Congress and shape the final years of Donald Trump's presidency. Leo, 71, became pope in May 2025 and is the first US citizen to lead the Catholic Church.