Pope Leo XIV has voted in the upcoming United States midterm elections, submitting a mail-in ballot in Chicago, the Vatican confirmed on Friday.
The announcement marks the first known instance of a sitting pope voting in a political election. Leo, the Catholic Church’s first US-born pontiff, exercised his voting rights as an American citizen.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the pope had submitted his ballot in Chicago, describing his participation as part of a long-standing practice of civic engagement.
Vatican Highlights Citizens’ Democratic Responsibility
In its statement, the Vatican said Pope Leo XIV believes citizens have both the right and responsibility to participate in democratic processes.
The statement also confirmed that the pontiff voted whenever eligible during his years living in Peru. Leo holds both US and Peruvian citizenship.
Before becoming pope in May 2025, he was known as Robert Francis Prevost and spent nearly two decades serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru.
US Midterm Elections Scheduled for November 3
The US midterm elections will take place on November 3, with voters set to elect members of Congress and several state officials.
The elections include all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats. Voters in 36 states will also choose governors.
Pope Leo has previously spoken about civic participation and public responsibilities. His confirmation of voting in the US elections has drawn attention because of the unprecedented nature of a sitting pontiff taking part in a political vote.
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