Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in a US election

Pope Leo XIV has cast his vote in Illinois' midterm elections, marking a historic first for a pontiff to participate in a U.S. election. The Holy See Press Office confirmed the Holy Father's decision, highlighting the belief in citizens' right and responsibility to engage in democratic processes. As the first U.S. citizen to assume the Vatican's highest office since his selection in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV has faced disputes with the Trump administration on matters like immigration and the Iran situation.

Despite his health issues, including lung cancer, he requested a mail-in ballot from the Will County Clerk's Office on October 3 and underwent surgery two weeks later. The Pope will travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in early November, despite facing criticism from then-President Trump. Tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. government intensified in April, following the Pope's plea for peace after the U.S. strikes on Iran.

Democrats are favored to gain control of the House of Representatives and potentially win Senate seats in the November elections, while President Trump holds rallies in states he's expected to win.