Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has voted in the 2026 United States midterm elections, the Vatican has confirmed.
The Holy See Press Office said on Friday that the Chicago-born pope, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, had submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago as part of his civic rights as a US citizen.
According to the statement, Leo XIV has consistently exercised his right to vote whenever eligible, including during his years living in Peru.
The Vatican said the Pope believes citizens have both the right and responsibility to participate in democratic processes.
The confirmation follows reports that the pontiff, who remains registered to vote in Will County, Illinois, requested a mail-in ballot on October 3. His registration is under his birth name at an address in New Lenox, where his brother lives.
The US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships up for election, alongside several state and local contests.
If his ballot is counted, Leo XIV would become the first known sitting pope to participate in a US election or any secular election while holding the papal office.
Before his election as pope in May 2025, Prevost had voted in several US elections, including the 2024 general election.
The 71-year-old pontiff is gradually resuming his activities following surgery earlier this month and is preparing for an apostolic visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17.
