Pope Leo becomes first pontiff to vote in US general election
Pope Leo XIV has become the first pontiff to vote in a US general election, casting a mail-in ballot in his native Chicago. The Vatican confirmed the action, emphasizing the Pope's belief in civic participation and democratic processes.
Why it matters
This event is historically significant as it marks the first time a sitting head of the Catholic Church has participated in a US election, highlighting the intersection of religious leadership and civic duty.
Vatican confirms the pope submitted a mail-in ballot in his native Chicago ahead of November 3 midterm elections
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A spectator waves a US flag as Pope Leo XIV leaves his weekly general audience in St Peter's Square at the Vatican on October 28, 2026 [Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo] By Al Jazeera Staff , AP and Reuters Published On 31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026 Pope Leo XIV has become the first pontiff to vote in a United States general election after casting a mail-in ballot in Chicago, where he was born.
The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the pope submitted a mail-in ballot in the city ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, citing his longstanding belief in civic participation.
Headlinne story · 5 newsrooms
Pope Leo XIV Casts Mail Ballot in United States Midterm Elections
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Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in a US election
Pope Leo XIV votes in US midterm elections via mail
How can Pope Leo vote in U.S. elections while serving as the sovereign of Vatican City? | Explained
Pope Leo casts vote in US midterms
Pope Leo requested an absentee ballot in Illinois to vote in the midterms - NBC News
Pope Leo becomes first pontiff to vote in U.S. election - The Washington Post
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