Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first sitting pope to participate in a United States election after submitting a mail-in ballot ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.
The Vatican confirmed on Friday, October 30, that the Chicago-born pontiff had exercised his voting rights as an American citizen by submitting his ballot in Chicago, Illinois.
According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo XIV has maintained a long-standing practice of participating in democratic processes whenever he is eligible to vote.
” Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so,” the Vatican stated.
The statement added that the pontiff also participated in elections during his years of residence in Peru, where he served as a Catholic missionary and bishop.
“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the statement added.
The historic development makes Pope Leo, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, the first sitting pontiff confirmed to have voted in a US election.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the pope’s decision to vote was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, which disclosed that he had requested a mail-in ballot through the Will County Clerk’s Office on October 3.
Voting records also indicate that Prevost participated in several US primary and general elections before becoming pope in May 2025.
The 2026 US midterm elections, scheduled for November 3, will feature contests for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats and governorships in 36 states, alongside several local government positions.
Pope Leo XIV, who retains his American citizenship despite serving as head of the Catholic Church and Vatican City State, has previously emphasised civic responsibility and the importance of public participation.
The Vatican did not disclose which candidates or political parties received the pope’s votes.
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