Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first sitting pontiff to cast a ballot in a U.S. election.
The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the American-born pope had submitted a mail-in ballot in his hometown of Chicago ahead of the November midterm elections, underscoring his longstanding support for civic participation.
The Holy See Press Office said the pope, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, “has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so.”
In a statement, the Vatican added that the pontiff believes in both the right and responsibility of citizens to participate in democratic processes.
His ballot is expected to cover several contests, including the Illinois Senate and gubernatorial races, as well as elections for the House of Representatives and various state and county offices.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV holds both American and Peruvian citizenship.
Voting records indicate that Prevost has participated in several U.S. elections over the years, including presidential and primary contests. Between 2000 and 2016, he reportedly voted in five Illinois primary elections, requesting Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times.
He also participated in multiple general elections, including the 2024 U.S. presidential election, before his election as head of the Catholic Church in May 2025.
Meanwhile, the pontiff continues to recover and gradually resume his activities at the Vatican following his discharge from hospital on October 17. He is also preparing for a planned trip to South America next month.
