The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the American-born pope had exercised his voting rights as a US citizen, citing his longstanding belief in civic participation.
“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the Holy See press office said in a statement.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV holds both American and Peruvian citizenship. He was elected head of the Catholic Church in May 2025.
His ballot is expected to cover several contests in Illinois, including Senate and House of Representatives races, the governorship and state and county elections.
According to voting records cited in reports, Prevost participated in several US elections before becoming pope. He reportedly voted in five Illinois primary elections between 2000 and 2016, requesting Democratic ballots twice and Republican ballots three times.
He also participated in several general elections, including the 2024 US presidential election.
The pope’s reported participation in the upcoming midterms has drawn attention to his position on civic responsibility and the importance of taking part in democratic processes.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has been recovering and gradually resuming his activities at the Vatican after being discharged from hospital on October 17. He is also preparing for a planned trip to South America next month.
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