Pope Leo XIV has made history by casting his vote in the 2026 United States midterm elections, becoming the first known sitting pontiff to participate in a political election. The Chicago-born head of the Catholic Church submitted his ballot by mail in Illinois, exercising his rights as a US citizen ahead of the November 3 polls.
The Vatican confirmed the development on Friday, October 30, saying the Pope had voted in keeping with his long-standing practice of civic participation. The announcement has attracted international attention, particularly as Leo’s decision comes amid his public disagreements with US President Donald Trump over immigration policies and the war involving Iran.
In a statement, the Vatican Press Office said the Pope had exercised his right to vote as a US citizen whenever he was eligible. It also confirmed that he had participated in elections during his years living in Peru.
“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the statement said.
The Vatican did not reveal which candidates or political party received Leo’s vote. The pontiff reportedly cast his ballot under his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost, through the mail-in voting system in Chicago, Illinois.
A historic moment for the Catholic Church
Pope Leo XIV, 71, was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois. He became the first American-born pope when cardinals elected him to lead the Catholic Church in May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis.
Before becoming pontiff, Prevost spent nearly two decades working as a missionary and bishop in Peru. He holds both American and Peruvian citizenship and has maintained his connection with the United States despite spending much of his religious career abroad.
The Vatican said Leo had regularly exercised his voting rights whenever he was eligible, including during his time in Peru. His latest participation, however, is particularly significant because it represents the first known instance of a sitting pope voting in a political election.
According to election records, Prevost has participated in several US elections over the past two decades. His voting history includes participation in both Democratic and Republican primary elections.
He requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010, followed by Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014 and 2016. The records also indicate that he participated in several general elections. However, these details do not reveal his political preferences or the candidates he supported.
Reports said the Pope requested his mail-in ballot on October 3 through the Will County Clerk’s office in Illinois. He is registered at an address in New Lenox, a town southwest of Chicago.
Why is Pope Leo’s vote significant?
The US midterm elections, scheduled for November 3, will determine the composition of Congress and influence the political direction of the country during the final two years of Trump’s current presidential term.
Unlike presidential elections, midterm polls do not directly decide who occupies the White House. Instead, voters elect members of the House of Representatives and a portion of the Senate. The results can significantly affect a president’s ability to pass legislation and implement policies.
In Illinois, voters will decide whether Democratic Governor JB Pritzker secures another term. They will also elect a successor to retiring US Senator Dick Durbin.
Trump and his Republican allies are seeking to retain control of Congress, while Democrats are hoping to make significant gains. The election is taking place amid concerns about living costs, immigration, foreign policy and the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict.
The Pope’s participation has also attracted attention because Trump has previously questioned the reliability of mail-in voting. Leo’s decision to use this method has therefore become an additional talking point in the wider political discussion.
Pope Leo’s differences with Donald Trump
The Pope’s vote comes against the backdrop of a public disagreement with Trump earlier this year. The two have clashed over several issues, particularly the US administration’s immigration policies and its position on the war involving Iran.
Leo has repeatedly criticised the treatment of migrants in the United States, describing certain immigration enforcement measures as inhumane. He has called for greater dignity and compassion towards people seeking a better life.
His comments drew a sharp response from Trump, who criticised the pontiff’s approach to crime and foreign policy. The US President also described Leo as weak on crime and suggested that his views were politically motivated.
The Pope responded by saying he was not afraid of the Trump administration and would continue speaking out against war. He has consistently called for peace, dialogue and diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.
Leo also criticised Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilisation, arguing that religious and political leaders should work towards peace rather than encourage violence.
Although the public confrontation has eased in recent months, their differences over immigration and international conflicts remain significant.
Pope preparing for South America visit
Despite his recent health concerns, Leo is gradually returning to his regular responsibilities at the Vatican. He underwent surgery in October to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung and was discharged from hospital on October 17.
The Pope is expected to undertake an 11-day visit to South America in November, covering 10 cities. The Vatican has also indicated that a visit to the United States could take place in the not-too-distant future.
His historic participation in the US midterm elections has added another dimension to his public role. While the Pope has not endorsed any political candidate, his decision highlights his belief that democratic participation is an important responsibility of citizenship.
By voting from abroad, Leo has also demonstrated that his American citizenship remains an important part of his identity, even as he leads the world’s Catholic community from the Vatican.
