Pope Leo XIV Makes History in US Midterms
Pope Leo XIV, an American citizen and the current head of the Catholic Church, has made history by casting a mail-in ballot in the United States midterm elections. This marks the first time a pontiff is known to have participated in a US general election, a development confirmed by the Vatican on Friday, October 30.
A Pontiff's Civic Duty
The Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Leo XIV submitted his mail-in ballot from Chicago, Illinois, ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The Vatican highlighted the pontiff's long-standing conviction that engaging in democratic processes is both a fundamental right and a crucial responsibility for citizens.
This act of civic participation aligns with his past practice; the Vatican also confirmed that the Pope had exercised his voting rights during his years serving as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru, prior to his election as pontiff.
The American Pope
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV shattered tradition in May 2025 when he was elected, becoming the first American to hold the papacy. Despite assuming leadership of the Catholic Church and the Vatican City State, he maintains his US citizenship, which makes him eligible to participate in American elections.
Significance for US Elections
The Pope's vote comes as the US midterm elections draw near, a critical period that will determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The outcomes are expected to significantly influence President Donald Trump's legislative agenda for the remainder of his second term.
These elections are under close international scrutiny, with Republicans and Democrats vying for congressional seats. Key issues such as immigration, the economy, taxation, and foreign policy are prominent concerns for voters.
While the Vatican did not disclose the pontiff's specific choices or how he voted on individual races, emphasizing that his participation does not constitute an endorsement of any political party or candidate, Pope Leo XIV has previously spoken on important social justice issues, human dignity, migration, and the moral obligations of political leaders. His decision to cast a ballot underscores the profound importance he places on democratic participation, all while upholding the Catholic Church's official position of neutrality towards individual political figures.