By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Pope Leo XIV has submitted a mail-in ballot for the US midterm elections, becoming the first pontiff known to have voted in an American election.
The development highlights a historic moment for the papacy and his continued connection to American democratic affairs.
Also the first American catholic pontiff, Pope Leo XIV participated in the midterm elections by casting his ballot in Chicago.
The Vatican confirmed the development in a statement, saying the Holy Father had exercised his voting rights in line with his belief in democratic participation.
According to the statement, Leo XIV believes citizens have both the right and responsibility to take part in democratic processes.
British historian Michael Walsh, who has written several books on the papacy, said the development could also make Leo XIV the first pope to vote in a secular democratic election.
Speaking to CNN, Walsh said he was unaware of any previous pontiff who had participated in a democratic election.
Electoral records show that Leo XIV is registered to vote in New Lenox, a suburb of Chicago, under his baptismal name, Robert Francis Prevost. His brother, John, lives in the area.
The Chicago-born pontiff has previously participated in both Republican and Democratic primary elections. He also voted in the 2024 US presidential election.
Since becoming pope in May 2025, Leo XIV has encouraged greater civic participation, urging Americans to speak out on major public issues, including the US-Israel war involving Iran.
His position on these matters has occasionally placed him at odds with President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly over the conflict in Iran and its immigration enforcement policies.
Earlier this year, Trump launched a series of unprecedented public criticisms against the pontiff. However, the president has recently adopted a less critical approach, frequently mentioning Leo XIV’s eldest brother, Louis, who is a supporter of his.
The pope’s ballot is expected to cover several political contests in Illinois, including elections for the US Senate, governor, House of Representatives and various state and county positions.
Leo XIV has also maintained contact with political leaders in his home state. In November 2025, he met Illinois Governor JB Pritzker at the Vatican, where they discussed immigration enforcement.
However, the pontiff later expressed opposition to Illinois legislation permitting medically assisted death, which Pritzker had signed into law.
His involvement in Illinois politics dates back several years. In 2011, while serving as Reverend Robert Prevost, he personally contacted then-Governor Pat Quinn to commend him for abolishing capital punishment in the state.
It remains unclear whether Leo XIV mailed his ballot from the Vatican. However, his brother, John, visited the Vatican on Wednesday as part of a group of pilgrims from St Jude’s Parish in New Lenox who met with the pope.
Although Leo XIV serves as the head of state of Vatican City, he retains his American citizenship and is legally entitled to vote in US elections.
