# Pope Leo XIV Casts Absentee Ballot in U.S. Midterm Elections

- URL: https://unnienote.app/en/news/pope-leo-xiv-casts-absentee-ballot-us-midterms-97c07f
- Published: 2026-10-30T19:31:31.178Z
- Publisher: Unnie Note

> The Vatican said U.S.-born Pope Leo XIV has cast an absentee ballot for the November 3 midterm elections.

## Key points

1. The Vatican said the pope mailed his ballot to Chicago on October 30.
2. Leo XIV is the first pope to vote in a U.S. election.
3. The pope has publicly criticized Trump's war and immigration policies.

Pope Leo XIV has cast an absentee ballot in the U.S. midterm elections on November 3, the Vatican said on October 30 (local time). The pope, who was born in Chicago, is registered to vote in Will County, Illinois.

## Why does this matter?

The Vatican said the pope has voted whenever he was eligible as a U.S. citizen, and that he submitted his ballot to Chicago following a long tradition of civic participation. NBC News had earlier reported that he requested the ballot from the Will County election office. Public records show he voted in the 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections, and in primaries in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

## What has the pope said about politics?

Since becoming pope in May 2025, Leo XIV has publicly criticized parts of President Donald Trump's agenda, including the war and tighter immigration rules. He has opposed the U.S. military operation against Iran and called for an end to the fighting and peaceful solutions. Trump said the pope did not understand the situation and should stay out of politics.

## What about his health?

The pope had surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after a suspected cancerous nodule was found. A biopsy confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.

## For international fans

Leo XIV, the first American pope, served for more than 20 years as a priest and bishop in Peru before his election. His vote is notable because it marks the first time a pope has voted in a U.S. election.

## FAQ

### When is the U.S. midterm election?

The midterm election is on November 3. The pope requested an absentee ballot for that date.

### Where is Pope Leo XIV registered to vote?

According to NBC News, he is registered in Will County, Illinois.

### Why did the pope criticize Trump?

He has publicly criticized parts of Trump's policies, including the war with Iran and tighter immigration rules.

## Sources

- [Yonhap News](https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20261030120551009)

_Written and translated with AI from official announcements and Korean media reports. If something is wrong, please let us know._