Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in US election

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 14:07 · Archive

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope to vote in a United States general election. The Vatican confirmed Friday that the Chicago-born pontiff submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the 3 November midterm elections, citing his long-standing belief in civic participation.

Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, requested the mail-in ballot on 3 October, just ten days before undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung. He was released from hospital on 17 October and has been slowly resuming his activities at the Vatican. It is unclear how he returned the ballot.

The Holy See press office said Leo 'has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen' and has done so 'whenever he was eligible'. The statement added that he had also voted while living in Peru as a missionary priest and bishop for over 20 years. 'The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,' the press office said.

How it is being reported

• Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a US general electionPope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a U.S. general election.News4Jax · 30 Oct, 12:59
• Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a US general electionPope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a U.S. general election.Clickorlando · 30 Oct, 12:59

In this story: Pope Leo XIV · Robert Prevost · Chicago · Vatican · Holy See · Peru

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