Pope Leo XIV has made history by becoming the first known pontiff to participate in a United States election, casting a mail-in ballot for the upcoming US midterm elections.
The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the Chicago-born pope exercised his right to vote, describing the decision as consistent with his belief in democratic participation and civic responsibility.
Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, reportedly cast his ballot in Illinois, where he remains registered to vote under his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost.
In a statement, the Vatican said the pope believes citizens have both the right and the responsibility to engage in democratic processes.
The development has drawn significant attention, with British historian Michael Walsh suggesting Leo XIV may also be the first pope known to have voted in a secular democratic election.
“I’m not aware of any previous pontiff who has participated in a democratic election,” Walsh told CNN.
Electoral records indicate that Leo XIV is registered in New Lenox, a suburb of Chicago, and has voted in previous US elections, including the 2024 presidential contest.
Since ascending to the papacy in May 2025, Leo XIV has consistently encouraged civic engagement and public participation on major policy issues. His comments on international affairs, including the conflict involving Israel and Iran, have occasionally put him at odds with President Donald Trump’s administration.
The pope has also remained engaged with developments in his home state of Illinois. In 2025, he met Governor JB Pritzker at the Vatican to discuss immigration policy but later voiced opposition to legislation permitting medically assisted death in the state.
His involvement in public affairs predates his election as pope. In 2011, while serving as Reverend Robert Prevost, he reportedly contacted then-Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to commend his decision to abolish capital punishment.
Although it remains unclear whether the ballot was mailed directly from the Vatican, Leo XIV’s participation underscores his continued connection to American civic life while serving as head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City.
As an American citizen, the pope remains legally eligible to vote in US elections despite occupying the highest office in the Catholic Church.
The historic decision is expected to further fuel debate about the role of modern religious leaders in civic and democratic affairs, while highlighting Leo XIV’s unique position as the first American-born pontiff.
