Pope Leo XIV has cast a mail-in ballot in the upcoming US midterm elections, becoming the first pope known to have voted in a US election and potentially the first pontiff to participate in a secular democratic vote.
In a statement, the Holy See Press Office said Leo XIV had voted whenever eligible to do so as an American citizen and had also participated in elections during his years living in Peru. The Vatican emphasised the Pope’s belief that taking part in democratic processes is both a right and a civic duty. Before his election as pontiff in May 2025, he was known as Robert Francis Prevost and remained registered to vote in New Lenox, Illinois, where his brother lives.
The ballot is for the November 3 midterm elections, which will determine all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats and governorships in 36 states. Among the contests in Illinois are the Senate race and Governor JB Pritzker’s re-election campaign. The Vatican did not disclose which candidates the Pope supported.
Leo XIV’s participation comes amid his public disagreements with US President Donald Trump over immigration policy and the war involving Iran. Trump previously criticised the pontiff following his statements opposing the conflict, while the Pope has urged Americans to make their voices heard on issues of war and peace. Despite his position as head of the Catholic Church and head of state of Vatican City, Leo XIV retains his US citizenship and is eligible to vote.
