Pope Leo XIV Becomes First Pontiff to Vote in U.S. Election

Pope Leo XIV has made history by becoming the first pontiff to participate in a U.S. election. The Vatican confirmed that the American-born pope submitted a mail-in ballot in his hometown of Chicago ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. This act emphasizes his longstanding commitment to civic participation.

Formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, the pope has consistently exercised his right as a United States citizen to vote whenever eligible. The Vatican’s press office highlighted his dedication to democratic engagement, citing his involvement in voting during his years in Peru when possible.

Pope Leo XIV recently led his traditional Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. This news was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, which disclosed that the pope procured a mail-in ballot on October 3. He is currently recovering from lung cancer surgery and plans to travel to South America next month.

Accompanying parishioners from St. Jude’s parish in New Lenox, Illinois, the pope’s brother, John Prevost, was in Rome this week. Pope Leo had given a talk at the parish during his time as a cardinal in 2024. Previously, during a general audience, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to reject passivity and indifference towards current events, urging them to engage and support those suffering from injustice, discrimination, and violence.

Records from the Illinois State Board of Elections reveal that since 2000, the pope has participated in five primary elections, requesting Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times. The details of his candidate support remain undisclosed. In Illinois, voters must declare a party preference for primary ballots, unlike general elections where no such declaration is needed.

While originally registered in Cook County—a Democrat stronghold—Prevost requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010. After changing his registration to the more conservative Will County, he opted for Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Records confirm that he has voted in every general election since 2000, with exceptions noted for the years 2020 and 2022.