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

Pope Leo XIV has made history by reportedly becoming the first pontiff to cast a ballot in a United States election. The Vatican confirmed on Friday, October 30, 2026, that the American-born Pope submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago for the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. This act marks an unprecedented moment of civic participation for a leader of the Catholic Church.

Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV's decision to vote stems from his long-held belief in the right and duty of citizens to engage in democratic processes. The Holy See's press office stated that he has exercised his right to vote as a U.S. citizen whenever eligible, a practice that also extended to his time as a missionary and bishop in Peru, where he also held citizenship.

Records indicate that before his papacy, Leo XIV, who was elected Pope in May 2025, had previously participated in various U.S. primary and general elections. The Chicago Sun-Times was the first to report on the Pope's request for a mail-in ballot, which was submitted on October 3, 2026, from his registered address in New Lenox, Illinois.