World
Pope Leo XIV casts first papal ballot in US midterm elections
October 30, 2026 at 01:58 PM
Coverage
3 reports · 2 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 5 hours
Pope Leo XIV submitted a mail-in ballot Friday, becoming the first pope to vote in a US election and possibly in any secular democratic election.
- The Vatican said Friday the pope submitted his ballot in Chicago and affirmed citizens' right and duty to participate in democratic processes.
- Historian Michael Walsh said Leo XIV is the first pope to vote in a democratic, secular election.
- Records show the pope, born in Chicago and still a US citizen, is registered to vote in New Lenox and voted in the 2024 presidential election.