Pope Becomes First Pontiff to Vote in US Election

Pope Leo XIV has submitted a mail-in ballot in Illinois for the upcoming midterm elections, making him the first-ever pope to vote in a US election. The Holy See Press Office stated that the pontiff believes strongly in the democratic responsibilities of citizens. Officials noted that the Chicago-born leader has consistently voted in United States elections whenever eligible, including during his time residing in Peru.

The ballot request was formally made by the Pope to the Will County Clerk's Office in early October. This historic voting milestone occurs shortly after the Vatican announced that the 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery to remove a lower right lung lobe following a lung cancer diagnosis. Despite the medical procedure, Vatican officials confirmed he will proceed with upcoming international travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

Pope Leo XIV casts a historic mail-in ballot for the US midterm elections.

Relations with the Trump Administration

The historic vote comes amid a period of diplomatic friction between the pontiff and the Trump administration. Since taking the Vatican's highest seat in May 2025, the American-born Pope has frequently clashed with Washington over immigration enforcement and the joint US-Israeli military actions involving Iran. Tensions escalated sharply after the Pope urged for peace following strikes on Iran, prompting public criticism from Donald Trump, who questioned the pontiff's stance on nuclear weapons.

In response to the criticism, the Pope maintained that the fundamental mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel and advocate for peace, emphasizing the value of divine words above personal attacks. Meanwhile, the nationwide midterm elections on November 3 approach rapidly, with early voting already underway across most states. Political analysts indicate that Democrats are currently favoured to secure control of the House of Representatives and potentially make gains in the Senate, potentially shaping the final years of the Trump presidency.

Why it matters

This unprecedented participation in a foreign democratic process by the head of the Catholic Church bridges religious leadership and civic duty in a novel manner. For the United States, the congressional elections will decide the balance of legislative power and significantly influence the remainder of the presidential term.