Pope Leo XIV Casts Mail Ballot in United States Midterms

Pope Leo XIV has voted in the United States midterm elections from his residence in Vatican City, becoming the first pontiff in history to cast a ballot in an American election.

The Chicago-born pope requested his absentee ballot in October and submitted it ahead of the nationwide elections scheduled for November 3, 2026.

The milestone comes as the pontiff maintains a tense relationship with President Donald Trump over issues including immigration enforcement and foreign policy in the Middle East.

"Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so," said the Holy See Press Office in a statement on Friday.

Vatican officials confirmed that the 71-year-old pope also voted during his years of residence in Peru, adhering to a long-standing practice of civic participation.

The ballot's journey takes it from Vatican City to Illinois, where public records show the pope has voted in multiple previous general and primary elections.

While Vatican News reported that the ballot was submitted in Chicago, NBC News reported that the request was processed through the Will County Clerk's Office.

The voting takes place as control of the U.S. Congress hangs in the balance, with the midterm elections representing a major test for the Republican Party.

Tensions between the pope and the White House escalated earlier this year following public disagreements regarding U.S. military strikes against Iran.

"I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo," said Mr. Trump in April while criticizing the pontiff's stance on foreign policy and crime.

The pope subsequently defended his global advocacy, stating that church leaders have a clear mandate to pursue peace.

"The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace," said Pope Leo, according to Reuters cited by BBC News.

It remains unclear whether the local election office has received the completed ballot or if the pope has completed mailing it from abroad.