Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first pontiff known to have voted in a United States election after casting a mail-in ballot ahead of the country’s 2026 midterm elections.
The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the Chicago-born pontiff had exercised his voting rights as an American citizen, marking an unprecedented development in the history of the papacy.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo submitted his ballot by mail in Chicago, Illinois, in keeping with his longstanding practice of participating in democratic processes.
The Vatican said the Pope believed that citizens had both the right and responsibility to participate in democratic activities.
It also confirmed that he had exercised his voting rights while living in Peru whenever he was eligible to do so.
The development makes Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, the first known pope to participate in an American election while serving as head of the Catholic Church.
The revelation followed an earlier report by the Chicago Sun-Times that the pontiff remained registered as a voter in Illinois and had requested a mail-in ballot for the November 3 midterm elections.
Records from the Will County Clerk’s Office showed that Prevost, who is registered at an address in New Lenox, a suburb of Chicago, requested the ballot on October 3.
The Pope’s ballot covers several political contests in Illinois, including the US Senate race, the gubernatorial election and various congressional, judicial and local government positions.
Available electoral records also indicate that Prevost has participated in several American elections over the years, including Republican and Democratic primary elections and general elections.
His participation comes as he continues to maintain strong connections with his home country despite serving as head of the Vatican City State.
Since becoming pope in May 2025, Leo XIV has repeatedly encouraged citizens to take an active interest in public affairs and speak out on important social and political issues.
His public positions on immigration enforcement and the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran have also drawn attention, at times placing him at odds with President Donald Trump’s administration.
The pontiff has maintained that public participation and engagement are important responsibilities, particularly on issues affecting society.
Although he now leads the Catholic Church and serves as head of state of Vatican City, Leo XIV retains his American citizenship, making him eligible to participate in US elections.
His decision to vote has attracted international attention, particularly because there is no known record of his immediate predecessors participating in elections in their home countries while serving as pope.
The Vatican’s confirmation therefore marks a historic moment, highlighting the Chicago-born pontiff’s continued connection to American civic life while occupying one of the world’s most influential religious offices.
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