Pope Leo XIV votes for the first time in U.S. elections, mails ballot from Illinois

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to take part in a general election in the United States, voting by mail in the midterm elections.

The Vatican confirmed that the Pope, who was born in Chicago as Robert Prevost, had mailed his ballot before the November 3 elections in Illinois.

According to the press office of the Holy See, Leo XIV has voted as a U.S. citizen whenever he has had the opportunity. He also took part in elections while living in Peru, where he served for more than 20 years, first as a missionary and later as a bishop.

“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the Vatican said in a statement.

The Pope’s vote was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, which cited an official from the Will County election administration. According to the official, the Pope had requested a mail-in ballot on October 3. It has not been disclosed how he submitted it.

Election records show that Robert Prevost has voted in five primary elections since 2000: twice requesting Democratic ballots and three times Republican ballots. The records do not reveal which candidates he supported. In general elections, voters are not required to disclose their party affiliation.

The Pope has also taken part in nearly every general election since 2000, except those held in 2020 and 2022.

His vote comes at a time when relations with U.S. President Donald Trump have been marked by several public clashes.

Since his election as head of the Catholic Church, Leo XIV has criticized the U.S.-Israel war against Iran and called for migrants to be treated with dignity. These positions have prompted reactions from Trump, who previously called the Pope “weak” and a “pawn of the radical left.”

During a trip to Algeria, the Pope responded to the criticism by saying that he was not afraid of the Trump administration and would continue to deliver the message of the Gospel.

He also said he would continue to oppose war and promote peace, dialogue and cooperation among states. However, in recent months, the public clashes between the two figures have eased.