Pope Leo XIV Makes History As First Pontiff To Vote In A US Election

Pope Leo XIV Makes History as First Pontiff to Vote in a US Election

Pope Leo XIV has made history after casting a mail-in ballot in the upcoming United States midterm elections, becoming the first known pope to vote in a US general election and likely the first pontiff to participate in a secular democratic election. The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the Chicago-born leader of the Catholic Church had submitted his ballot in Chicago, Illinois, ahead of the November 3 elections. The Holy See Press Office said the Pope exercised his voting rights as a US citizen, in keeping with his long-standing commitment to civic participation and democratic processes. In its statement, the Vatican said Pope Leo XIV had exercised his right to vote whenever he was eligible as a US citizen. It added that he had also voted during his years living in Peru, where he served as a missionary priest and bishop for more than two decades. “The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the statement said. The Pope, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, remains a US citizen despite his election as head of the Catholic Church in May 2025. British historian and papacy author Michael Walsh described the development as unprecedented, saying he believed Leo XIV was the first pope to vote in a democratic, secular election. “I don’t think popes have ever voted in a democratic election before, The historic development is particularly notable because previous popes were not known to have participated in modern secular democratic elections. Election records show that Prevost is registered to vote in New Lenox, a suburb of Chicago in Will County, Illinois, where his brother John lives.According to the Chicago Sun-Times, he requested a mail-in ballot on October 3 through the Will County Clerk’s Office. His voting history also shows participation in both Democratic and Republican primary elections.Since 2000, records indicate that he requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010, and Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014 and 2016. He also voted in several general elections, including the 2024 US presidential election. However, the records do not disclose which candidates he supported. The November 3 midterm elections will determine control of the US Congress and include several important state-level contests. Voters will elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives, while 35 Senate seats are being contested. In Illinois, voters will also decide whether Governor JB Pritzker secures another term and elect a successor to retiring Democratic Senator Dick Durbin. The elections are taking place amid political disagreements over the economy, immigration and the US-Israel war against Iran. Since becoming Pope, Leo XIV has increasingly spoken about issues affecting the United States and the wider international community. He has criticised war and called for peaceful solutions to international disputes, while also urging greater respect for migrants and vulnerable communities. His positions have brought him into public disagreements with US President Donald Trump, particularly over immigration enforcement and the conflict involving Iran. Despite those disagreements, the Vatican has emphasised that the Pope’s participation in the election reflects his belief in the civic responsibility of citizens rather than an endorsement of any political party or candidate.