Pope Leo XIV has made history after becoming the first sitting pope known to have voted in a United States election, following confirmation by the Vatican that he submitted a mail-in ballot ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.
In a statement released on Friday, October 30, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the American-born pontiff had exercised his voting rights as a U.S. citizen and submitted his ballot in Chicago, Illinois.
The Vatican said the Pope has consistently participated in elections whenever he has been eligible to vote, including during his years of residence in Peru.
“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the statement said.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, is the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church. He remains a U.S. citizen and is registered as a voter in Illinois.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Pope requested a mail-in ballot on October 3 through the Will County Clerk’s Office, where he is registered under his birth name.
The November 3 midterm elections will determine all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, alongside 35 Senate seats, as well as several governorships and other state and local positions.
The Vatican did not disclose which candidates or political parties the Pope voted for.
His participation marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, highlighting his stated belief in citizens’ right and responsibility to take part in democratic processes.
