Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in a U.S. election, casting mail-in ballot

October 30, 2026 / 9:50 AM EDT / CBS/AP

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pontiff to vote in a U.S. election. The Vatican confirmed Friday that the American-born pope submitted a mail-in ballot in his native Chicago ahead of November's midterm elections, citing his longstanding belief in civic participation.

The pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, "has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so," the Holy See press office said.

"The Holy Father has also confirmed that, during his years of residence in Peru he exercised his right to vote whenever he was eligible to do so," the Vatican statement said. "The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes."

Leo's vote was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, which quoted the chief of staff at the Will County clerk's office as saying the pope, registered at a New Lenox address, requested a mail-in ballot on Oct. 3.

The pope is recovering from recent surgery for lung cancer and is moving ahead with plans for a trip to South America next month.

The pope's brother, John Prevost, was in…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/