The Vatican announced on Friday that Pope Leo XIV has cast a mail-in ballot in the upcoming United States midterm elections, scheduled for 3 November. This marks the first known instance of a pontiff participating in a political election, a decision that underscores his personal commitment to democratic engagement.
In a statement, the Vatican Press Office confirmed that Leo, who was born in Chicago, had "exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen." The statement also noted that during his years as a missionary and bishop in Peru, he voted whenever eligible, reflecting his belief in "the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes." Leo holds dual US and Peruvian citizenship.
The midterms will determine the composition of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term, a period that could see significant shifts in US foreign and domestic policy. The pope's decision to vote comes amid a backdrop of heightened transatlantic tensions, with European allies closely watching the outcome, particularly regarding delays in military aid to Ukraine.
A papal vote with political resonance
Leo's relationship with Trump has been fraught since the president's return to the White House in January 2025. Trump has publicly criticized the pope, accusing him of being "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy." In a Truth Social post in April, Trump alleged that Leo was not a serious candidate for the papacy and was chosen primarily because of his American nationality, a claim the Vatican has not directly addressed.
For his part, Leo has been outspoken in his criticism of the Trump administration's harsh immigration policies and its threats against Iran. His vote, while a personal act, carries symbolic weight, signaling a papal endorsement of civic participation in a democracy that has often been at odds with his moral teachings.
The pope's action has drawn reactions across Europe, where leaders and citizens alike are mindful of the midterms' potential to reshape US engagement with the continent. As former NATO officials have noted, the timing of military support for Ukraine may hinge on the election results, making Leo's vote a talking point in European policy circles.
While the Vatican has historically maintained a neutral stance in political elections, Leo's decision reflects his personal conviction that faith and civic duty are intertwined. His background as a missionary in Peru, where he witnessed the struggles of marginalized communities, has shaped his view that participation in democratic processes is a moral imperative.
The midterms are set to be a pivotal moment for the United States, and now, with a pope casting a ballot, they have taken on an unprecedented global dimension. As Europeans watch the returns on 3 November, they will be mindful that the outcome could influence everything from economic policy to security commitments across the Atlantic.
