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

Filed 2026-10-31 15:00 · 3 publisher pages · upstream origin unresolved

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope to vote in a U.S. midterm election, submitting a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of Nov. 3 elections. The vote marks a historic moment as the Vatican's highest leader participates in a democratic process.

The Chicago-born pontiff, formerly Robert Prevost, submitted the ballot in Illinois, where he is registered. The vote was confirmed by the Vatican, which stated he has exercised his right to vote as a U.S. citizen whenever eligible. He also voted while living in Peru.

The midterm elections will determine political control of Congress and impact Trump's final years in office. Leo's vote underscores his commitment to civic participation, aligning with his public stance on peace and nuclear disarmament. The Vatican confirmed his ballot submission and surgical procedure for lung cancer.

The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV's ballot submission and surgery for lung cancer. The pope, aged 71, will travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in early November. Tensions with the Trump administration have persisted, with Trump criticizing Leo's stance on U.S.-Israeli actions in Iran.

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bbc — Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in a US election · 2026-10-30
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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