Pope Leo XIV has made history after becoming the first sitting pontiff known to have voted in a United States election.
The Vatican confirmed on Friday, October 30, that the American-born Pope had submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections.
In a statement, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that Leo had exercised his voting rights as an American citizen.
“Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so,” the statement said.
The Vatican added that the Pope believes citizens have both the right and responsibility to participate in democratic processes.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV holds American and Peruvian citizenship. He previously served as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru before becoming the head of the Catholic Church in May 2025.
According to voting records, Prevost participated in several US elections before his election as Pope. He voted in Democratic and Republican primary elections at different times and also participated in several general elections.
Records indicate that he requested Democratic ballots in the 2008 and 2010 primaries, followed by Republican ballots in 2012, 2014 and 2016. His voting history also includes the 2024 US presidential election.
The Vatican confirmed that he continued exercising his voting rights while living in Peru whenever he was eligible.
The Pope’s ballot is expected to cover several contests in Illinois, including the Senate race, the gubernatorial election and other state and local positions. However, the Vatican did not disclose which candidates he supported.
His participation comes ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, in which Americans will vote for members of the House of Representatives, several Senate seats and governorships across the country.
Pope Leo XIV has been gradually resuming his activities at the Vatican following his hospital discharge on October 17. He is also preparing for a planned visit to South America next month.
His decision to vote has attracted international attention, particularly because it marks an unusual moment in the history of the papacy, combining his position as head of the Catholic Church with his continuing rights as an American citizen.
