Pope Leo XIV has made history by casting a vote in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, becoming the first pope ever to participate in a secular American election. The Vatican confirmed that the Chicago-born pontiff submitted a mail-in ballot ahead of the November 3 election from his registered address in New Lenox, Illinois. The pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, has been a U.S. citizen throughout his life and has voted in previous elections when eligible, both in the United States and Peru, where he served as a missionary priest and bishop for over two decades.
Leo XIV was elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025 and has not returned to the United States since assuming the papacy. The decision to vote was described by the Vatican as consistent with the pope’s strong belief in the right and duty of citizens to engage in democratic processes. While the exact votes cast by the pope remain undisclosed, he is registered in Illinois, a state facing key contests including the governor’s race and a U.S. Senate seat following longtime Senator Dick Durbin’s retirement.
The pope’s participation in the election arrives amid a backdrop of previous political tensions, notably between Leo and former President Donald Trump. Leo has openly criticized Trump’s policies, particularly regarding Iran and immigration. He condemned military action against Iran as unjust and has spoken out in favor of peace, multilateral diplomacy, and humane treatment of migrants. In response, Trump attacked Leo on social media, labeling him “weak” and criticizing his foreign policy stance. The pope has maintained a firm position, emphasizing the church’s role in promoting peace and dialogue.
Leo has engaged with U.S. political issues beyond electoral participation. In recent years, he has reiterated the Catholic Church’s opposition to the death penalty and voiced disappointment over Illinois’ approval of medically assisted dying. He also commented on the complex debate surrounding abortion and the awarding of honors to political figures with differing views on the issue, calling for respect for diverse perspectives while highlighting inconsistencies in some pro-life arguments.
Records reveal that before becoming pope, Prevost alternated party affiliations in primary elections, requesting both Democratic and Republican ballots at different times, but his general election participation consistently demonstrates his commitment to voting. His decision to take part in the 2026 midterms, despite undergoing recent surgery to remove a cancerous lung tumor, underscores his engagement with civic duties.
While the Vatican has not detailed how the pope returned his ballot, his older brother has been present in Rome recently, suggesting family assistance may have been involved. Pope Leo XIV’s unprecedented act reflects a unique intersection of religious leadership and active citizenship within the United States.