Pope Leo Votes in American Midterms

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. - Pope Leo XIV cast a mail-in ballot in the U.S. midterm elections, an unprecedented act confirmed by the Vatican on Friday, October 30, 2026. The pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, submitted his ballot from the city, marking the first time a pope ever participated in a U.S. election and likely any secular democratic election.

The Vatican stated Pope Leo XIV "exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen" and did so "whenever he was eligible to do so," including in Peru during his residency there. The Holy See press office affirmed the pontiff's belief in citizens' duty to engage in democratic processes.

Despite residing in Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV remains a registered voter in Illinois at a New Lenox address. He requested his mail-in ballot on October 3, 2026. Public records show he voted in U.S. elections, including primaries and general elections, since at least 2000.

The ballot Pope Leo XIV submitted is expected to cover races for the Illinois U.S. Senate seat, the Illinois gubernatorial election, and various Will County contests. The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026.