Pope Leo XIV casts vote in US midterm elections

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, has voted in the United States midterm elections, the Vatican has confirmed.

The Vatican Press Office announced on Friday that the Chicago-born pontiff, whose birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, had exercised his voting rights as a US citizen.

The Vatican statement said the pontiff has always exercised his right to vote as a US citizen whenever he was eligible to do so.

It added that the Pope submitted his ballot by mail in Chicago, following a long-standing tradition of taking part in civic activities.

The Vatican also disclosed that Leo voted during his years living in Peru.

According to the statement, the Pope believes in the importance of citizens taking part in democratic activities, describing it as both a right and a responsibility.

Earlier reports indicated that the pontiff, who remains registered to vote in Will County, Illinois, under his birth name, requested a mail-in ballot on October 3.

His voter registration is linked to an address in New Lenox, a Chicago suburb where his brother lives.

Under US law, American citizens residing abroad can participate in federal elections through absentee or mail-in voting.

The 2026 midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats up for election. Several governorships and state and local positions will also be contested.

In Illinois, voters will decide who succeeds retiring US Senator Dick Durbin, while Governor JB Pritzker is seeking another term.

If his ballot is officially counted, Leo could become the first known sitting pope to participate in a US election or another secular election while serving as head of the Catholic Church.

Public records indicate that before becoming pope in May 2025, he took part in several US elections and party primaries, including the 2024 presidential election.

The 71-year-old pontiff recently underwent surgery for lung cancer and has been gradually returning to his official duties.

He is also preparing for a visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17.

The Vatican’s announcement highlights the Pope’s continued participation in civic affairs despite his position as head of the Catholic Church.