Pope Leo XIV Makes History as First Sitting Pope to Vote in US Election

Pope Leo XIV has rewritten papal history by becoming the first sitting pontiff to cast a ballot in a United States election, submitting a mail-in vote ahead of the midterm elections. The unprecedented move, confirmed by the Vatican, underscores a long-standing personal commitment to democratic participation that spans his decades as a missionary abroad and his ongoing citizenship in his native Illinois.

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, the pontiff made history in May 2025 when he became the first American-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Despite assuming leadership of the Vatican City State, he retained his U.S. Citizenship. British historian and papal expert Michael Walsh noted to CNN, as reported by Usmuslims, that popes have never voted in a democratic election before.

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The sequence of events leading to the Vatican's announcement began weeks prior. Kim Fladhammer, chief of staff for the Will County clerk's office, confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times that the pope requested a mail-in ballot on October 3. The request was processed through his registered address in New Lenox, Illinois, where his brother, John Prevost, maintains a residence.

The Holy See Press Office framed the ballot submission as an extension of the pontiff's worldview. The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes, the Vatican stated, according to Aol. The statement also confirmed that the pope routinely voted during his years of residence in Peru, where he served as a missionary priest and bishop.

Electoral records from the Illinois State Board of Elections reveal a history of civic engagement that crosses party lines. Because Illinois does not require voters to register by political party, citizens select specific party ballots during primaries. Historical filings show the future pope requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010 while living in Cook County, followed by Republican primary ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016 after moving to suburban Will County. Furthermore, records cited by CBS News indicate he participated in most general elections since 2000, skipping only the 2020 and 2022 cycles.

The timing of the vote coincides with a pivotal American political landscape. Illinois voters are deciding several major contests, including a race for governor and the battle for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, as detailed by Protothema. Nationally, the midterms carry immense weight for President Donald Trump’s administration, serving as a referendum on congressional majorities, economic policy, and foreign affairs.

The relationship between Pope Leo XIV and the Trump administration has experienced notable friction. As reported by Aol and Protothema, the president previously criticized the pontiff as weak and challenged Vatican stances on immigration and military conflicts, including the war involving Iran. In response, the pope publicly asserted his independence, stating aboard a papal flight that he bears no fear of the administration when speaking out on Gospel messages and human dignity.

The historic vote also follows a major health milestone for the pontiff. On October 13, the pope underwent surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome to remove a tumor diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma. Attending physicians subsequently confirmed that no further cancer treatment is required, allowing him to resume regular Vatican duties and prepare for upcoming international travel, including a scheduled trip to South America.

While the Vatican maintains strict neutrality regarding candidates and political parties, refusing to disclose which individuals or measures received the pope's support, the act itself establishes a profound precedent for the papacy.

What happens next depends on the official certification of the midterm results following the November 3 close of voting, alongside the Vatican's management of the pontiff's post-surgery recovery and his upcoming pastoral journeys abroad.