Pope Leo XIV Reportedly Casts Historic U.S. Midterm Ballot
The Chicago-born pontiff, elected in May 2025, is understood to be the first Pope to vote in an American election amidst a contentious political landscape.
Sarah Connor
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, has reportedly cast a ballot in the U.S. midterm elections.
Pope Leo XIV has voted in five primary elections in Illinois since 2000. He requested Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times.
The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.
The Holy See press office affirmed, "The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes."
The Pope, aged 71, was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung. Despite this, he is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in early November.
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher stated that a papal visit to the U.S. is expected in the future. Pope Leo XIV told journalists on a visit to France, "You are all welcome."
You are all welcome.
The Holy See press office claimed Pope Leo has become the first pontiff to vote in a U.S. election. It stated he "has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen."
Current polling suggests opposition Democrats are on course to win back the majority in the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate too.