Pope Leo XIV has made history by becoming the first sitting pope to vote in a United States general election. The Vatican confirmed on Friday, October 30, that the Chicago-born pontiff submitted a mail-in ballot for Illinois ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

The announcement marks an unusual moment in US political and religious history, as the head of the Catholic Church exercised his voting rights while serving as the leader of the Vatican.

The Holy See said the pope has consistently voted as a US citizen whenever he was eligible, including during his years living in Peru. AP News+1

Pope Leo Casts Mail-In Ballot From the Vatican

The 70-year-old pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, remains a US citizen despite becoming head of the Catholic Church in May 2025.

According to the Vatican, he submitted his ballot in Chicago through the mail-in voting process. His participation was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, which had earlier revealed that he requested a ballot on October 3.

The Will County Clerk’s Office confirmed that Prevost was registered to vote at an address in New Lenox, Illinois. Chicago Sun-Times+1

Why Pope Leo XIV Is Eligible to Vote in US Elections

Although the pope leads the Catholic Church and serves as head of state of Vatican City, he has not given up his American citizenship.

US citizens living overseas can vote in federal elections under provisions of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Illinois also allows registered voters to request mail-in ballots without providing a specific reason.

This means Pope Leo can participate in American elections while carrying out his responsibilities at the Vatican. Chicago Sun-Times+1

Voting Records Reveal Pope Leo’s Political Participation

Public election records show that Prevost has participated in several Illinois elections over the years.

Since 2000, he has voted in multiple general elections and five primary elections. Records indicate that he requested Democratic primary ballots twice and Republican primary ballots three times.

However, these records do not reveal which candidates he supported. Illinois voters can choose which party’s primary ballot they want without registering permanently with that party. WYFF+1

Pope Leo’s Vote Comes Ahead of the November 3 Midterms

The 2026 US midterm elections will determine several important political positions, including seats in Congress and state-level offices.

In Illinois, voters are choosing a US senator to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Governor JB Pritzker is also seeking reelection, alongside congressional and local election contests.

Pope Leo’s ballot is connected to his registered voting address in Will County, meaning his participation includes races taking place in his home state. WYFF+1

Pope Leo’s Relationship With Donald Trump Draws Attention

The pope’s participation in the election has attracted additional attention because of his public disagreements with President Donald Trump.

Since becoming pontiff, Leo has spoken against the US-Israeli war in Iran and criticized policies concerning immigration. Trump has also publicly criticized the pope’s comments on foreign policy.

Despite these disagreements, the Vatican’s announcement focused on the pope’s belief in democratic participation rather than endorsing any political party or candidate. AP News+1

The Vatican also emphasized that voting is both a right and a responsibility for citizens who are eligible to participate in democratic elections.