Pope Leo XIV Casts Ballot in U.S. Midterms, Becomes First Pontiff to Vote in American Election

Pope Leo XIV has cast a mail-in ballot in Illinois for the U.S. midterm elections, marking the first time a sitting pontiff has voted in an American election.

“The Holy Father affirms the right and responsibility of citizens to take part in democratic processes,” the Holy See Press Office stated.

Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is the first U.S. citizen to ascend to the papacy, following his election in May 2025.

Since his election, he has entered into disagreements with the Trump administration on matters ranging from immigration enforcement to U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran.

“Pope Leo XIV has exercised his voting rights as a U.S. citizen whenever eligible,” the press office added, noting this included his time in Peru.

The midterm elections will decide congressional control and shape the closing years of Donald Trump’s presidency.

Voting takes place nationwide on November 3, with early voting already underway in most states.

NBC News reports that the pontiff requested his mail-in ballot from the Will County Clerk’s Office on October 3.

Less than two weeks afterward, the Vatican disclosed that he underwent surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung following a lung cancer diagnosis.

The Vatican confirmed last week that the 71-year-old pope will proceed as scheduled with trips to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in early November.

Friction between the pope and the U.S. president intensified in April after the pontiff called for peace following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

“I don’t think he’s doing a very good job,” Trump remarked about the pope afterward.

“We don’t like a pope who suggests it’s acceptable to possess a nuclear weapon,” he continued. “I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo.”

Pope Leo responded later, stating: “The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace,” as reported by Reuters.

“If someone wishes to criticize me for preaching the Gospel… I only hope to be heard because of the value of God’s word,” he said.

In the final days before the midterms, officials from both parties are crisscrossing the country to improve their chances of victory.

Polls indicate Democrats are favored to take control of the House of Representatives and could win seats in Republican-leaning districts that strongly supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Democrats also appear positioned to gain additional seats in the Senate.

Facing a difficult outlook, President Trump has held several rallies in states where Republican victories are usually considered assured.

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