Papa Leão 14 asks for mail-in vote in the U.S.

Pope Leo 14 requested a ballot by mail for the midterm elections in the Estados Unidos, according to information released by the Chicago Sun-Times on Thursday (October 30, 2026). The request was filed Oct. 3, according to an official at Will County, Illinois, polling station. The pontiff is registered to vote at an address in New Lenox, where his older brother, John Prevost, lives.

If the vote becomes effective, Leo 14 will become the first acting Catholic Church leader to participate in an election in the Estados Unidos. Christopher Hale, author of the bulletin “Letters from Leo,” also pointed out that it would be the first time a pope would vote in any secular election while in office. The information generated international repercussions and raised debates about the political role of the Vatican.

Request made in October

The application for a ballot paper was formalized on October 3, 2026, according to the Will County notary official quoted by the Chicago Sun-Times. The pope is registered at the address of his older brother, John Prevost, in New Lenox, Illinois. The city is about 60 km from Chicago and is known for its strong Catholic community.

By Thursday (October 29, 2026), the Will County Registrar had not received the completed ballot, according to NBC News. It was unclear whether the pope had filled out or mailed the document. The absence of confirmation keeps open the possibility that the vote will not be realized.

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What is in dispute

The November election in the Estados Unidos has a seat in the Senate, the Illinois government, and other state and local positions. The midterm elections usually attract national attention for defining the balance of power in Congress. For Illinois voters, the vote will also decide representatives for the House and the state legislature.

The pope’s vote, if any, would have symbolic weight, but would not alter the outcome of the polls. Still, the participation of a religious leader of such influence can mobilize the faithful and draw attention to the importance of the democratic process. Experts heard by the local press stressed that the gesture reinforces the message of civic engagement.

Statement on Trump

Amidst the repercussions, the pope declared: “I am not afraid of the Trump administration, nor of speaking openly the Gospel message, which is what I believe to be my mission.” The speech was interpreted as a firm position in the face of tensions between the Vatican and the US administration. The pontiff did not directly mention candidates or parties.

The declaration reinforces the tone of independence that Leo 14 has adopted since the beginning of his pontificate. Religious analysts point out that the pope seeks to maintain the moral authority of the Church without aligning himself with specific governments. Still, the phrase has generated headlines on vehicles around the world.

New Lenox Register

The Pope’s voting address in New Lenox belongs to his older brother, John Prevost. The residence is in a quiet neighborhood, and neighbors have reported to local media that the family is discreet. Will's County Registrar confirmed that the registry is active and that the bill was mailed.

There is no information on whether the pope has ever voted in previous elections in the Estados Unidos. The source did not detail whether Leo 14 holds U.S. citizenship or whether the registration was made recently. The Vatican did not officially comment on the matter until the closure of this matter.

Repercussions and next steps

The news of the request for a vote by mail generated mixed reactions on social networks. While some Catholics praised the gesture as an example of citizenship, others questioned whether a religious leader should engage in secular elections. The debate reflects the complexity of the relationship between faith and politics in the Estados Unidos.

The deadline for sending the ballot by post varies by state, but in Illinois voters must post the document by election day. If the pope does not send the ballot in time, the vote will not be counted. The Will County Registrar said it will release updates on receipt of the document.

Meanwhile, the Catholic community of Illinois is eagerly watching the unfolding. The possible participation of the pope in the elections can inspire other faithful to exercise their right to vote. The Boca no Trombone Portal will continue to follow the case and will bring new information as soon as it is confirmed.

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