Pope Leo XIV Becomes First Pope to Vote in US Polls
Pope Leo XIV has become the first sitting pontiff known to vote in a United States general election after submitting a mail-in ballot ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. The Vatican confirmed the development on Friday, October 30, highlighting the American-born Pope’s longstanding commitment to democratic participation and his continued exercise of voting rights as a US citizen.
Pope Leo XIV Casts Historic Vote in US Midterms
The 71-year-old pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, submitted his ballot through the postal voting system in his home state.
The Vatican confirmed that Leo had regularly exercised his voting rights whenever eligible, including during his years of residence in Peru.
The Holy See emphasised that the Pope regarded participation in democratic processes as both a civic right and a responsibility.
However, the Vatican did not disclose which candidates or political parties received his support.
First American Pope Maintains US Voting Rights
Leo XIV became the first American-born Pope when he was elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.
Despite assuming leadership of the Vatican, he retains American citizenship and remains eligible to participate in US elections.
Election records indicate that he requested his absentee ballot on October 3, 2026, through election authorities in Illinois.
His participation is considered historically significant because previous popes had not been known to cast ballots in American elections while serving as pontiff.
US Midterm Elections Scheduled for November 3
The upcoming elections will determine control of the US Congress, with all 435 House of Representatives seats and 35 Senate seats being contested.
Several states will also elect governors and other officials.
Although President Donald Trump is not on the ballot, the results will influence the political balance in Washington during the remainder of his presidency.
Leo XIV has previously addressed issues including immigration, human rights and international conflicts, but his participation in the election does not constitute a public endorsement of any candidate.
