Pope Leo XIV has reportedly cast a ballot in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, becoming the first sitting pope to vote in an American general election, according to a report by TMZ published on October 30, 2026. The 71-year-old pontiff participated remotely from the Vatican using a mail-in ballot in Illinois.
According to TMZ’s report, the Vatican confirmed that Leo exercised his voting rights as an American citizen. Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, the pope has reportedly participated in U.S. elections throughout his life, including while living in Peru.
Pope Leo XIV’s Voting History
The Vatican reportedly views voting as both a right and a civic responsibility. Leo’s participation reflects his long-standing engagement with the democratic process, although the Vatican has not disclosed which candidates he supported.
Reports indicate that Leo requested his ballot on October 3, shortly before undergoing surgery in Rome. TMZ reported that doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung following a cancer diagnosis. He was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on October 17 and has gradually resumed his duties.
Leo’s reported participation comes amid public disagreements with President Donald Trump over issues including immigration and war. However, there is no indication that his vote was connected to those disputes, and his ballot remains private.
The reported vote places the pontiff’s American citizenship and personal participation in elections in the spotlight, while underscoring that his political preferences have not been publicly revealed.
