Pope Leo XIV casts historic vote in US midterm election

Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in a US election20 minutes agoBrandon Drenon

Getty Images

Pope Leo XIV has submitted his mail-in ballot in Illinois, for the midterm elections, becoming the first-ever pope to vote in a US election.

"The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes," the Holy See Press Office said in a statement.

The Chicago-born pontiff is the first US citizen to hold the Vatican's highest seat, after his selection in May 2025.