Pope Leo XIV votes in US midterm elections by mail-in ballot
The Holy See Press Office says Pope Leo XIV, a US citizen, has cast a mail-in ballot from Chicago for the American midterm elections, as he has whenever eligible
Christian World | The Holy See Press Office says Pope Leo XIV, a US citizen, has cast a mail-in ballot from Chicago for the American midterm elections, as he has whenever eligible
ACW | October 30, 2026 — The Holy See Press Office announced on Friday, October 30, that Pope Leo XIV has submitted his mail-in ballot for the United States midterm elections.
Vatican News reported the statement: "Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so." The press office said he submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago.
Vatican News adds that the pope also voted whenever he was eligible during his years living in Peru.
The US midterm elections take place on November 3, 2026.
Background: Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. ACW earlier reported on his planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Why it matters: Vatican News describes the act as an expression of the pope's belief in "the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes."
ACW will continue to follow this story.
Photo: Vatican Media
