Historic First: Pope Leo XIV Votes in US Midterms via Mail-In Ballot

In a move that marks a significant moment in papal and electoral history, Pope Leo XIV has cast a mail-in ballot for the US midterms. This makes him the first pontiff to vote in a US election and, by historical accounts, the first pope to participate in a secular democratic election.

The Vatican confirmed on Friday that "The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes," stating that his mail-in ballot was submitted from Chicago. Michael Walsh, a British historian and author specializing in the papacy, noted that this is unprecedented, as "I don’t think popes have ever voted in a democratic election before."

Records indicate that Pope Leo XIV, registered under his baptismal name Robert Francis Prevost, is eligible to vote in New Lenox, a Chicago suburb where his brother John resides. The Chicago-born pontiff has a history of civic engagement, having previously voted in both Republican and Democratic primaries and in the 2024 presidential election.

Since his election in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV has actively encouraged civic participation, urging citizens to voice their opinions on issues such as the US-Israel war against Iran. His papacy has seen notable interactions with the Trump administration, including disagreements over the war in Iran and immigration policies. Earlier this year, President Trump publicly criticized the Pope, though recent remarks have been more conciliatory, referencing the support of the Pope's eldest brother, Louis, for his administration.

The Pope's ballot is expected to cover races for the Illinois senate and governor, as well as contests for the House of Representatives, and state and county positions. He met with JB Pritzker, a candidate for Illinois governor, in the Vatican in November 2025, discussing immigration enforcement. Pope Leo XIV also previously expressed his disapproval of Illinois’ legislation for medically assisted death, signed by Pritzker.

Pope Leo XIV has consistently shown interest in Illinois politics. In 2011, as Rev. Robert Prevost, he personally contacted then-Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn to commend the abolition of capital punishment in the state. While it remains unconfirmed whether the ballot was mailed from the Vatican, his brother John was present at the Vatican on Wednesday with a group of pilgrims from St Jude’s Parish, New Lenox, for a meeting with the Pope.

Prior to the Vatican's statement, an official from the Will County clerk’s office informed the Chicago Sun-Times that Robert Francis Prevost was on the list of individuals who had requested a mail-in ballot. Despite serving as head of state, the Pope retains his US citizenship, making him eligible to vote in US elections. CNN has reached out to the Will County Clerk’s office for comment. Laura Sharman contributed to this report.