In a historic milestone for civic life, Pope Leo XIV became the first sitting pontiff to vote in a US election, the Vatican confirmed Friday. The American-born pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, submitted a mail-in ballot in his native Chicago ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
According to the Holy See press office, Pope Leo exercised his fundamental right as a United States citizen, one he has consistently exercised whenever eligible. Born in Illinois and holding dual citizenship, state election records show he has routinely voted in primary and general elections since 2000, continuing the practice during his nearly two decades serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru.
The Vatican underscored that Pope Leo views voting not merely as a civil privilege, but as a moral duty to participate in democratic self-governance. After leaving the hospital on October 17, the pontiff returned to his full duties at the Vatican, including preparations for an upcoming trip to South America. His return showed that civic stewardship remains a priority, even amid the demands of global leadership.
This historic act echoes a challenge Pope Leo delivered during a September 2 general audience in St. Peter’s Square, where he urged the faithful to reject cultural passivity.
“We cannot remain as unengaged spectators,” Pope Leo told believers, calling on Christians to abandon "all passivity and indifference" toward societal affairs. "Civic life depends on citizens who are willing to take responsibility for the common good.”
While many Christians may feel inclined to withdraw from public life, don’t allow the Pope, arguably one of the busiest people in the world, to surpass you in civic engagement. Preserving liberty, truth, and righteous governance requires every believer to stand up, engage, and take responsibility for their vote.
