Pope Leo XIV turns into first pope in historical past to vote in a US election

Pope Leo XIV has turn out to be the primary pontiff to vote in a U.S. election.

The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the American-born pope submitted a mail-in poll in his native Chicago forward of November’s midterm elections, citing his longstanding perception in civic participation.

The pope, previously Cardinal Robert Prevost, “has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so,” the Holy See press workplace mentioned.

“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the Vatican mentioned in an announcement.

The pope’s poll is anticipated to incorporate votes for the Senate and governor race in Illinois, together with home of Representatives, state and county elections.

The pope, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, holds each American and Peruvian citizenship.

According to voting data, Prevost has participated in a number of elections within the United States, together with presidential and first elections. He reportedly voted in 5 Illinois main elections between 2000 and 2016, requesting Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots 3 times.

He additionally voted in a number of common elections, together with the 2024 US presidential election, earlier than changing into head of the Catholic Church in May 2025.

The pope has been recovering and resuming his actions on the Vatican after being launched from the hospital on Oct. 17 and is transferring forward with plans for a visit to South America subsequent month.