Pope Leo XIV Becomes First Pope to Vote in U.S. General Election
Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first pontiff to participate in a U.S. general election, having submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago for the upcoming November 3 midterm elections. This development was confirmed by the Vatican on Friday, citing his commitment to civic engagement.
Pontiff’s Belief in Civic Responsibility
The Vatican stated that Leo, born Robert Prevost, has consistently exercised his right to vote whenever eligible as a U.S. citizen. “The Holy Father emphasizes the importance of citizens participating in democratic processes,” a representative from the Holy See press office remarked.
Reactions from the U.S. Catholic Bishops
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops commended the pope’s decision. Spokesperson Chieko Noguchi stated, “In voting, our Holy Father sets a significant example, encouraging all citizens to fulfill their civic responsibilities.” She added that Catholics should prioritize informing their conscience and supporting human dignity and the common good when voting.
Details Surrounding the Ballot Submission
Initial reports from the Chicago Sun-Times revealed that the pontiff, who is registered at a New Lenox address, requested his mail-in ballot on October 3. This request came shortly before he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung. Following his release from the hospital on October 17, Leo has gradually resumed his duties at the Vatican.
A Historic Precedent
As the head of a sovereign entity—the Holy See—Pope Leo XIV resides in a political system devoid of standard electoral practices. However, U.S. law permits citizens abroad, including those serving foreign governments, to vote via absentee ballots.
At 71 years old, Leo is also a citizen of Peru, where he served as a missionary priest and bishop for over two decades. The Vatican noted that he consistently voted in Peru whenever eligible, yet there is no evidence of his participation in the nation’s recent elections. No previous popes in the last fifty years have been documented as voting in their home countries.
Public and Political Backlash
Pope Leo’s election-related actions have not gone unnoticed by U.S. political figures. President Donald Trump has openly criticized him for his stance against the U.S.-Israeli conflict and for advocating for humane immigration policies. Earlier this year, Trump labeled Leo as “weak” and suggested he was influenced by radical elements.
In response, Leo asserted his commitment to vocalizing the church’s message, stating, “I am unafraid of the Trump administration and will continue to advocate for peace and dialogue as a path to solving global issues.”
Continuing Engagement in Elections
Records from the Illinois State Board of Elections indicate that Robert Prevost has participated in five primary elections since 2000, requesting ballots from both the Democratic and Republican parties. However, details regarding the specific candidates he supported remain undisclosed.
Pope Leo’s past voting behavior shows he requested Democratic primary ballots while residing in Democratic-leaning Cook County but switched to Republican ballots after moving to the more conservative Will County. He has consistently voted in general elections, excluding those in 2020 and 2022.
The current election will see voters in Illinois deciding not only on Governor J.B. Pritzker’s potential third term but also an open U.S. Senate seat due to the retirement of longtime Democrat Dick Durbin.
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