Pope Leo XIV Makes History by Voting in U.S. Elections
The Vatican has confirmed a significant milestone, as Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, has become the first pope to participate in a United States general election by casting a mail-in ballot in his home city of Chicago. This act emphasizes the pontiff’s commitment to civic engagement and democratic participation.
Pope’s Civic Responsibility
According to a statement from the Vatican’s press office, Pope Leo “has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen” and has consistently participated in elections whenever eligible. The Vatican reiterated that the Holy Father champions the importance of civic duty, affirming, “The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.”
Details of the Ballot Submission
On October 3, Leo submitted his request for a mail-in ballot, only ten days before undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his lung. Following his hospital release on October 17, he has progressively returned to his papal activities. However, the Vatican did not disclose the candidates the pope voted for during the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for November 3.
A Call to Action for the Faithful
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops responded to Leo’s voting decision, encouraging Catholics to prioritize “our faith before our politics” and to champion “human dignity and the common good.” Chieko Noguchi, the conference’s director of public affairs, emphasized that Leo’s voting act exemplifies civic duty and serves as a motivational example for citizens.
Pope Leo XIV’s Background
Aside from being a U.S. citizen, Leo XIV holds citizenship in Peru, where he served as a priest and bishop for over two decades, and he is also the head of state in the Vatican. Under U.S. law, citizens residing abroad, including those employed by foreign governments, retain the right to vote via absentee ballots.
Voting Record and Political Landscape
Historically, since the year 2000, Leo has participated in five primary elections as Robert Prevost, revealing a varied party preference in his voting history. He has requested Democratic primary ballots in 2008 and 2010 and Republican ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016, showcasing his fluctuating political affiliations.
Political Tensions with Former President Trump
Since Leo’s elevation to the papacy in May 2025, he has encountered political tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The two have had public disagreements, particularly regarding issues such as the U.S.-Israel conflict and immigration policies. Earlier in the year, Trump labeled the pope as “weak” and influenced by the “radical left,” prompting Leo to assert his independence from political pressures, stating, “I’m not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”
As the U.S. approaches another pivotal election, Pope Leo XIV’s actions reflect not only personal engagement but also a broader call for civic awareness among Catholics and citizens alike.
