Pope Leo XIV voted in the 2026 Illinois midterm elections using a mail-in ballot, the Vatican confirmed Friday, becoming the first sitting pope known to vote in an American election.

Why it matters: The pontiff, an American citizen, may be the first to vote in any secular democratic election.

Joliet radio station WJOL first reported Oct. 23 that Leo had requested a mail-in ballot.

What they're saying: The pope believes "in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes," the Holy See Press Office said in a statement .

The Vatican said Leo "has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so" and that "in keeping with this long-standing practice of civic participation, he has submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago."

Pope Leo also voted whenever eligible during his years living in Peru, the Vatican's statement said.

Zoom in: The pope's ballot includes Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker 's reelection bid, the race to succeed Sen.…