Pope Leo XIV Makes History as First Pope to Vote in US Elections

Pope Leo XIV has made history by casting a mail-in ballot in the upcoming US midterm elections, becoming the first pope known to have voted in an American election and potentially the first to participate in a secular democratic election.

The Vatican confirmed on Friday, 30 October, that the Chicago-born pontiff had submitted his ballot in Illinois, where he remains a registered voter despite living in Vatican City.

In a statement, the Vatican said the Pope believed citizens had both the right and the responsibility to participate in democratic processes.

The 71-year-old pontiff, whose birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, retains his American citizenship and has previously participated in US elections.

His decision to vote has attracted international attention because of the unusual position he occupies as both head of the Catholic Church and an American citizen. <Cite refs={[“turn796260news19″,”turn796260search1”]}/>

Registered voter in Illinois

Election records show that Pope Leo is registered in New Lenox, a suburb southwest of Chicago, where his brother, John Prevost, lives.

He requested his mail-in ballot on 3 October through the Will County Clerk’s Office, allowing him to participate in the November 3 midterm elections without travelling back to the United States.

According to voting records, Prevost has participated in several American elections, including the 2024 presidential election. He has also voted in both Republican and Democratic primary elections over the years.

Illinois does not require voters to register with a political party. During primary elections, voters can choose which party’s ballot they wish to use.

However, public voting records do not reveal which candidates or political parties an individual supported.

A first in papal history

British historian and author Michael Walsh, who has written extensively about the papacy, said he believed Leo XIV was the first pope to vote in a secular democratic election.

The Vatican’s announcement has therefore attracted attention beyond the religious community, highlighting an unprecedented moment in the history of the papacy.

Unlike previous pontiffs, Leo was born in the United States and maintains his citizenship, allowing him to exercise his voting rights while serving as leader of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican emphasised that his participation reflected his belief in civic responsibility and democratic engagement rather than an endorsement of any particular political party or candidate.