Pope Leo XIV Makes History by Voting in U.S. General Election

In a historic moment, Pope Leo XIV has become the first pontiff to cast a vote in a United States general election, marking a unique intersection of religious leadership and democratic participation. According to reports, Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, submitted a mail-in ballot from the Vatican to participate in the 2026 midterm elections, specifically casting his vote in Chicago ³. This development highlights the increasingly global nature of American politics and the personal connections many Americans have to their country's institutions, even when they hold high offices in other nations.

The decision to vote in the midterms was preceded by Pope Leo XIV requesting an absentee ballot on October 3rd, allowing him to exercise his right as a citizen despite his residence in Vatican City ⁴. This move underscores the flexibility and adaptability of the electoral system, which accommodates voters regardless of their location. It also reflects the personal choices of Pope Leo XIV, who has shown a consistent interest in American politics over the years, having participated in both primary and general elections since 2000 ³.

Pope Leo XIV's voting record reveals a pattern of engagement with the political process, including casting ballots in Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016, as well as alternating between Democratic and Republican parties in five primary elections since 2000 ⁴. This demonstrates not only his active involvement in American politics but also his willingness to support different political parties, reflecting a nuanced approach to political affiliation. His participation in every general election since 2000, with the exception of 2020 and 2022, further emphasizes his commitment to civic duties ³.

The journey of Pope Leo XIV's ballot from the Vatican to Joliet, Illinois, represents a symbolic connection between two worlds - the spiritual center of the Catholic Church and the heartland of America ⁴. This physical movement of the ballot serves as a tangible reminder of the interconnectedness of global communities and the shared values that transcend national borders.

What we know

• Pope Leo XIV is the first pope to vote in a U.S. general election ¹²³⁴⁵⁶
• He was previously known as Robert Prevost ²⁵
• He cast a mail-in ballot in Chicago for the 2026 midterm elections ³
• He requested an absentee ballot on October 3rd ⁴
• He is the first American pope to vote in a U.S. election ⁴
• He voted in Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016 ⁴
• He voted in five primary elections since 2000, alternating between Democratic and Republican ballots ³
• He participated in every general election since 2000 except 2020 and 2022 ³
• His ballot will travel from Vatican City to Joliet, Illinois ⁴