Pope Leo XIV votes in U.S. midterm election, first in history

Filed 2026-10-31 06:00 · 3 publisher pages · upstream origin unresolved

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope to vote in a U.S. general election, submitting a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The Vatican confirmed the vote, citing his belief in civic participation.

Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, has voted as a U.S. citizen since 2000, requesting Democratic and Republican primary ballots in different counties. He requested a mail-in ballot on October 3, just days before undergoing lung surgery.

The Vatican stated that Leo has exercised his right to vote as a U.S. citizen and has done so whenever eligible. The vote highlights his commitment to democratic processes, despite his role as a global religious leader.

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aljazeera — Pope Leo becomes first pontiff to vote in US general election · 2026-10-31
pbs-newshour — Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a U.S. general election · 2026-10-30
the-hill — Leo XIV becomes first pope ever to vote in US general election · 2026-10-30

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