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How did Pope Leo XIV Make History?
On October 31, 2026, Pope Leo XIV made history as the first pontiff to cast a vote in the United States (US) midterm elections.
Eligible US citizens who live abroad, along with military service members, can request an absentee ballot and mail it back to their home city before November 3, 2026, the day of Election Day.
Score Breakdown
Each criterion is scored out of 5.
Sources
- Pope Leo Will Vote From the Vatican, By Mail, in Illinois Midterm Election, Chicago Sun Times, Tina Sfondeles, October 30, 2026
- Pope Leo Makes History in US Election With Move Confirmed by Vatican, FOX News, Ireland Owens, October 30, 2026
- Pope Leo Casts Absentee Ballot in Illinois to Vote in the Midterms, NBC News, Patrick Maguire, Raquel Coronell Uribe, October 30, 2026
Detailed Review
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, he registered to vote at his older brother John’s residence in New Lenox, Illinois.
After graduating from Villanova University in 1977, Pope Leo XIV moved overseas to Rome, Italy, at 26 years old to study at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.
In 1984, at the age of 29, he was sent to Peru as a Parish Priest and Seminary Teacher, and later served as Bishop of Chiclayo and became a naturalized citizen of the country.
Following his time studying and serving as a Missionary, he became based in Rome and Vatican City, Italy, where he continued under the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine, to which he became the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, and eventually was elected the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, and was inaugurated on May 18.
Furthermore, on this year’s State of Illinois ballot, voters are deciding whether to vote for Governor JB Pritzker for his third term, electing a new Attorney General, Secretary of State, and a new U.S. Senate representative, after Democrat Dick Durbin is set to retire in January 2027, which marks the end of his current term.
Overall, Pope Leo XIV’s decision to exercise his American civic duty made history as he became the first Pope in history to vote in a United States election.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long has Leo XIV Been the Pope?
Pope Leo XIV has been the Pope since May 8, 2025.
Source: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/biography/documents/biografia_leone-xiv.html
2) What number Pope is Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV is the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church.
Source: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/biography/documents/biografia_leone-xiv.html
3) How is the Pope chosen?
The pope is chosen by eligible electors in a secret meeting known as the papal conclave held in the Sistine Chapel. 133 cardinals write their chosen candidate's name on a rectangular paper ballot bearing the phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” and place it into a chalice. A candidate must win a two-thirds supermajority of the votes to be elected.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/conclave-how-a-pope-is-elected.html
Potential Blind Spot
This article has an insufficient examination of the possible diplomatic ramifications for relations between the United States of America and the Vatican.
Key Takeaways
- On October 31, 2026 Pope Leo XIV made history as becoming the first pontiff to vote in an American election.
- This midterm election, Illinois voters are voting for a new Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Senator.
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