Pope Leo XIV is reportedly set to take part in the US midterm elections, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church. The head of the Vatican has requested a mail-in ballot to exercise his right to vote in Tuesday’s election.
The 71-year-old, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, is registered as a voter in the state of Illinois and submitted his request to vote by mail on October 3.
The news was confirmed by Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff in the office of Will County Clerk, who told the Chicago Sun-Times that Robert Francis Prevost appears on the list of individuals who have requested ballots for the upcoming election.
According to authorities, the Pope is registered at his brother’s address in New Lenox, a area southwest of Chicago. However, as of the time of reporting, he had not yet cast his vote.
If Pope Leo takes part in these elections, it would set an unprecedented precedent, as it would be the first time in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church that a sitting Pope has voted in the election of a secular state.