Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in US election

Key facts

• Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, is the first pontiff to vote in a US election.
• The pope submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the November midterm elections.
• He registered to vote in Illinois under his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost.

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pontiff to vote in a US election, submitting a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the November midterm elections. The Vatican confirmed Friday that the American-born pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, exercised his right as a US citizen, citing his belief in civic participation. He registered to vote in Illinois under his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost. The pope has previously encouraged civic involvement, urging the faithful to engage in democratic processes.