Pope Leo XIV has participated in the upcoming United States midterm elections, casting a mail-in ballot in Illinois and reaffirming his belief that citizens have both a right and a responsibility to take part in the democratic process.
The Vatican confirmed Friday, October 30, that the first American-born pope had submitted his ballot ahead of the November 3 elections, continuing a practice of voting that dates back years before his election to the papacy.
“Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement reported by Vatican News.
The statement further confirmed that, “in keeping with this long-standing practice of civic participation, he has submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago.”
Although the Vatican acknowledged the Holy Father’s participation in the election, it did not disclose which candidates or political party received his support, according to The Washington Post.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has maintained his connection to the United States throughout decades of religious service abroad, including his years as a missionary and bishop in Peru.
His commitment to voting has also extended beyond American elections.
“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,” the Vatican statement noted.
Pope Leo, who became a naturalized citizen of Peru during his years of ministry there, has exercised his voting rights in both countries when eligible.
According to The Washington Post, voting records previously reported by the Chicago Sun-Times indicate that the future pontiff participated in several American elections, including Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016, as well as Democratic primaries in 2008 and 2010.
He also voted in general elections in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024.
Illinois does not require voters to register with a political party, allowing eligible voters to select which party’s primary they wish to participate in. His voting history therefore does not establish a particular political affiliation.
The announcement comes just days before Americans head to the polls for a consequential midterm election.
On November 3, voters will decide all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, 35 seats in the Senate, and governorships in 36 states, along with numerous state and local offices, according to Vatican News.
The Pope’s decision to vote by mail also comes amid renewed political debate over absentee voting in the United States.
According to The Washington Post, President Donald Trump has questioned mail-in voting, while tensions between the president and the pontiff have emerged over issues including immigration, international conflict, and the war in Iran.
Pope Leo has publicly called for peace and criticized policies he considers harmful to human dignity, including certain immigration enforcement practices. His statements have at times placed him at odds with the Trump administration.
However, the Vatican’s announcement did not connect the Pope’s ballot to any particular political dispute or endorsement.
Instead, the Holy See emphasized a broader principle of civic responsibility.
“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the Vatican declared.
For Catholics, participation in public life is an important aspect of responsible citizenship. The Church teaches that the faithful should approach political decisions with informed consciences, concern for the common good, and respect for the dignity of every human person.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2240, identifies the exercise of the right to vote among the responsibilities citizens have toward their country.
Pope Leo’s participation in the American election offers a visible example of that responsibility, even as he serves as the spiritual leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.
With Election Day approaching, the Vatican’s message places attention not on the political choices of the pontiff, which remain private, but on the importance of citizens taking an active role in the democratic process.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
