Pope Leo XIV Makes History as First Sitting Pope to Vote in a U.S. Election

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has officially made history by participating in the U.S. democratic process from the Vatican.

The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the Chicago-born pontiff submitted a mail-in ballot for the midterm elections in Illinois. Formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, his participation marks an unprecedented moment in Catholic Church history, making him the first sitting pope to cast a ballot in a United States election.

Since his election in May 2025, Pope Leo has maintained strong ties to his home state while residing in Vatican City. The unique vote highlights a rare intersection of global faith leadership and everyday American civic duty.