Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in U.S. midterm elections

Pope Leo XIV voted by mail in the United States midterm elections scheduled for November 3, the Vatican press office confirmed on Friday. He is the first pope in history to cast a ballot in a secular election while holding office.

The Holy See said Leo XIV exercised his right to vote as a U.S. citizen “whenever he had the opportunity.” In line with this established practice of civic participation, the pope sent his ballot by mail to Chicago.

“The Holy Father expresses his conviction regarding the right and duty of citizens to take part in democratic processes.”

The Vatican statement added that the Holy Father expresses his conviction regarding the right and duty of citizens to take part in democratic processes.

U.S. records show Robert Francis Prevost, the pope’s secular name, voted in Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016, and in general elections in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024. He also voted in Democratic primaries in 2008 and 2010, but did not vote in the March Illinois primaries.

According to local press, the pontiff, who recently returned to his residence after lung cancer surgery, requested a mail-in ballot on October 3. The Chicago Sun-Times first reported the request, citing Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff at the Will County clerk’s office.

The midterms take place as Donald Trump’s presidency faces economic discontent. Inflation averaged 3.67 percent between April and September 2026, one percentage point above the 2.67 percent average during the last six months of Joe Biden’s term. Trade tariffs and the war in Iran have worsened price pressures.