Pope Leo XIV votes in U.S. election, encouraging civic engagement

Pope Leo XIV mailed his ballot from Illinois on 3 October, becoming the first pope ever to vote in a United States election as the country heads toward the 3 November midterms. The Holy See Press Office said the pontiff’s vote reflects “the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.”

The 71‑year‑old pontiff is the first U.S. citizen to sit on the Vatican’s highest throne, having been elected in May 2025. Born in Chicago, he holds dual citizenship and has exercised his voting rights in every U.S. election he was eligible for, including while he lived in Peru. Since his election, Leo XIV has sparred publicly with the Trump administration over immigration, the U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran, and other policy issues.

The ballot request was filed with the Will County Clerk’s Office, and the Vatican confirmed that the pope underwent surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung after a lung‑cancer diagnosis less than two weeks later. Despite the operation, the Vatican said he will still travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in early November as planned. President Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the pope, dismissed Leo XIV’s peace‑calling remarks after the April Israeli‑Iran strikes, calling the pontiff “not a big fan of Pope Leo.” The pope replied that his mission is to preach the Gospel and peace, and asked critics to listen to God’s words.

The pope’s vote arrives as both parties race to sway the midterm outcome, which will decide control of the House and potentially the Senate. Democrats are currently favored in polls to win the lower chamber, while Republicans hope to retain a solid base in states that backed Trump in 2024. Leo XIV’s participation underscores the symbolic link between faith and civic duty and may draw additional attention to voter turnout among religious communities across the United States.