In an unprecedented moment for the papacy, Pope Leo XIV has cast a mail-in ballot in the United States general election, making him the first pontiff in history to vote while leading the Catholic Church. According to Al Jazeera, the Vatican confirmed on Friday that the pope submitted his ballot in Chicago, his native city, ahead of the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.

According to Al Jazeera, citing the Vatican's press office, the pontiff—formerly known as Robert Prevost—has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen whenever he was eligible to do so. The Vatican stated that the Holy Father firmly believes in the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops commented on the vote, with public affairs director Chieko Noguchi stating, as reported by Al Jazeera, that the pope sets an example encouraging each citizen to exercise their civic responsibility. The conference also urged Catholics to put their faith before politics and uphold human dignity and the common good.

Background

According to Al Jazeera, Pope Leo is a citizen of the United States, Peru—where he lived as a priest and bishop for more than two decades—and the Vatican, where he serves as head of state. US federal law permits citizens living abroad to vote via absentee ballot, and working for a foreign government does not automatically strip an American of their citizenship, though the US State Department notes it may actively review the status of individuals serving as foreign heads of state or government.

In Illinois, where Chicago is located, voters in the heavily Democratic state are selecting a successor to retiring Senator Dick Durbin and deciding on the re-election of Governor JB Pritzker, as reported by Al Jazeera. Records from the Illinois State Board of Elections show that since 2000, Prevost has voted in five primary elections, requesting Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times. Al Jazeera noted that the records do not indicate which candidates he supported, and Illinois voters are required to declare a party preference to receive a primary ballot.

Pope Leo requested his mail-in ballot on October 3, just ten days before undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung, according to Al Jazeera. He was released from the hospital on October 17 and has gradually resumed his activities at the Vatican.

Why it matters

For ordinary readers, this event highlights the intersection of spiritual leadership and civic duty, demonstrating how individuals holding high office navigate their national citizenships and constitutional rights. The development offers a unique perspective on dual nationalities and participation in democratic elections from abroad.