Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, submitted a mail-in ballot for the United States midterm elections. The Holy See Press Office confirmed the action on Friday.
The press office stated that Pope Leo XIV “has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so.” It added that “in keeping with this long-standing practice of civic participation, he has submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago.”
Furthermore, the statement noted that the Holy Father “has also confirmed that, during his years of residence in Peru he exercised his right to vote whenever he was eligible to do so.” Pope Leo XIV expressed “his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.”
The Chicago-born pontiff, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, remains a registered voter in Illinois. Officials in Will County confirmed he requested the mail-in ballot on October 3 under his birth name. He is registered at an address in the Chicago suburb of New Lenox.
The US midterm elections took place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters selected all 435 seats in the House of Representatives along with 35 Senate seats. Governors were also elected in 36 states.
Public records showed that Pope Leo XIV had voted in earlier US elections and primaries before his election as pope in May 2025. He previously cast ballots in both Democratic and Republican primaries as well as general elections.
The Vatican confirmation followed initial reports from the Chicago Sun-Times. The press office issued its statement in response to media questions about the pontiff’s participation.
