Pope Leo XIV has cast a mail-in ballot in the United States midterm elections, marking a historic first for the American-born pontiff. The Vatican press office confirmed the development on Friday, emphasizing the pope’s perspective on civic duty.
“In keeping with this long-standing practice of civic participation, he has submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago,” the Vatican stated, adding that “The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.” The Holy See did not disclose which candidates the pope supported.
At 71 years old, Leo was born in Chicago and made history as the first American-born pontiff when cardinals elected him in May 2025 to lead the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church. According to local records, he registered to vote in Illinois under his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost, and requested his ballot on October 3.
The pontiff’s vote arrives during a high-stakes political climate in the U.S., where voters prepare for the November 3 election. President Donald Trump’s standing has faced pressure, with his party fighting to maintain majorities in both chambers of Congress amid voter dissatisfaction regarding the cost of living and an ongoing conflict involving Iran. Illinois voters are casting ballots to choose a successor for retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and to decide whether to re-elect Governor JB Pritzker.
Relations between Pope Leo and the White House have been strained. President Trump previously criticized Leo early in his papacy, labeling him “weak” and “terrible” on crime. In response, the pope has taken public stances on major geopolitical and humanitarian issues. In March, Leo stated that God rejects the prayers of warmakers with “hands full of blood.” In April, he condemned Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilization as unacceptable and declined an invitation to join the U.S. administration’s proposed “Board of Peace” initiative for Gaza. Additionally, the pontiff has called for deep reflection concerning the treatment of migrants in the United States.
The historic voting milestone also coincides with a period of personal health recovery for the pope. On October 13, Leo underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent form of lung cancer. Attending physicians have stated that he will require no further therapy, and he is scheduled to embark on a trip to South America next week.
