Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope known to vote in a US election after submitting a mail-in ballot ahead of the November 3 midterms, the Vatican confirmed Friday. The Chicago-born pontiff exercised his voting rights as an American citizen, marking a historic first for the Catholic Church. Historians believe he may also be the first sitting pope to participate in a secular democratic election.
“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the Vatican said in a statement.
Pope Leo XIV’s history of voting in US elections
Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the first American pope in May 2025. He remains registered to vote in New Lenox, an Illinois suburb where his brother John lives. According to reports, the pope requested a mail-in ballot through the Will County clerk’s office on October 3.
Election records show that Leo voted in the 2024 presidential election and several earlier US elections. He also participated in both Republican and Democratic primaries. The Vatican said Leo voted while living in Peru, where he also holds citizenship. British historian Michael Walsh explained that he was unaware of any previous pope voting in a democratic election.
Pope Leo XIV’s involvement in Illinois politics
Leo has maintained an interest in political developments in his home state. In November 2025, he met Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker at the Vatican. The pope later expressed disappointment after Pritzker signed legislation allowing medically assisted death for certain terminally ill patients. His involvement dates back to 2011, when he thanked then-Gov. Pat Quinn for abolishing the death penalty in Illinois.
BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV has requested a mail-in ballot for the U.S. midterm elections, potentially becoming the first pope in 2,000 years to vote in a secular election. pic.twitter.com/LLMpzLBmEm
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) October 30, 2026
Leo has also publicly disagreed with President Donald Trump over immigration enforcement and the US-Israeli war against Iran. Earlier this year, the pope also rejected Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, supporting the United Nations’ role in addressing international conflicts.
Pope’s ballot includes key Illinois elections
Leo’s ballot is expected to include Illinois’ Senate race, Pritzker’s reelection bid and contests for the US House of Representatives. State and county offices are also on the ballot. It remains unclear whether Leo mailed his ballot directly from the Vatican. His brother John visited the Vatican on Wednesday with pilgrims from St. Jude Parish in New Lenox. The Vatican has not disclosed which candidates the pope supported.
Although Pope Leo leads the Catholic Church and serves as Vatican City’s sovereign, he retains his American citizenship and remains eligible to vote in US elections. His participation also reflects the wider practice of citizens voting from abroad, which several countries, including Greece, allow.
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