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

Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first sitting pontiff to cast a ballot in a United States election.

The Vatican confirmed on Friday, October 30, that the American-born Catholic leader had submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.

The Pope, whose birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, exercised his voting rights as a US citizen, according to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office.

The Vatican said the pontiff had voted whenever he was eligible to do so, including during his years of residence in Peru, where he served as a missionary priest and bishop for more than two decades.

It also highlighted his belief in civic participation, stating that he considers it both the right and responsibility of citizens to take part in democratic processes.

He also participated in several general elections, including the 2024 US presidential election.

The November 3 midterm elections will determine the occupants of all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats and several governorships across the country.

Pope Leo XIV has continued to gradually resume his Vatican duties following his discharge from hospital on October 17. He is also expected to embark on a trip to South America next month.

His historic participation in the election has drawn attention to his position that voting is both a right and a civic responsibility.