That mail ballot had to travel a long way — from Joliet to the Vatican City , where Pope Leo XIV has led the Catholic church since white smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel in May 2025.
In a twist that’s more surprising than finding out your favorite pizza place is now vegan, Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has decided to exercise his democratic rights all the way from Vatican City. That’s right! He’s requested a mail-in ballot for the upcoming midterm elections in Illinois. I mean, who knew the Pope was so politically inclined? Maybe he just wanted to cast his vote while sipping on some holy water and contemplating the afterlife.
The request was made on October 3rd, and it’s a reminder that even the highest-ranking official in the Catholic Church has to deal with the same election logistics as the rest of us—albeit with a bit more flair. You’d think that being the Pope would grant you a special pass for voting, like a golden ticket that lets you skip the lines and the paperwork. But no, he’s just like the rest of us, waiting for that mail-in ballot to arrive.
Now, let’s talk about the logistics here. The Pope, who leads the Catholic Church from his lavish digs in Vatican City and maintains residency in New Lenox, Illinois, has to figure out how to get that ballot sent back. It’s not like he can just drop it off at the local post office on his way to a papal audience. No, it’ll have to make the journey from Joliet, Illinois, to Vatican City. I can already hear the postal workers whispering about the importance of that envelope—”Hey, did you see? This one’s going to the Pope!”
But let’s take a moment to appreciate the significance of this action. By requesting a mail-in ballot, Pope Leo XIV is joining nearly 20 million Americans who are choosing to vote early this election season. It’s a trend that’s been gaining momentum, especially since the pandemic made us all rethink our social interactions. Who wants to stand in a long line when you can fill out your ballot in the comfort of your own home, possibly while wearing pajamas? It’s the American way!
As of now, it’s unclear whether the Pope has returned his ballot. Maybe he’s been too busy with his papal duties—blessing people, giving sermons, and, let’s be real, probably enjoying some divine pasta. But one can only hope that when he does send it back, it will be safely delivered without any heavenly hiccups. Imagine if the ballot got lost in transit! The headlines would be wild: “Pope’s Vote Goes Missing, Angels Blame USPS!”
In all seriousness, this move by Pope Leo XIV highlights the importance of participating in democracy, even for someone who probably has bigger fish to fry (or maybe loaves and fishes?). It’s a reminder that voting is for everyone—whether you’re a regular Joe or the Pope himself. So, as we gear up for the midterms, let’s take a page from His Holiness’ book and make sure our voices are heard, preferably without any divine intervention needed to get our ballots in on time.
So here’s to you, Pope Leo XIV! May your ballot journey be smooth, and may your vote reflect the values you hold dear. And who knows? Maybe your vote will be the one that tips the scales in favor of a new initiative that benefits the very people you lead. Just remember, if you need to, you can always ask for a divine nudge in the right direction. After all, it wouldn’t hurt to have a little heavenly guidance, right?
Inspired by: “Pope Leo will vote from the Vatican, by mail, in Illinois’ midterm election” (r/Local)