Pope Leo XIV Makes History as First-Ever Pontiff to Vote in US Midterms
Pope Leo XIV, the first-born pope, breaks tradition by casting a ballot in the US midterm elections, citing his duty to democratic processes.
POLICY WIRE — Rome, Italy — In a landmark move that breaks centuries of tradition, Pope Leo XIV has cast a ballot in the United States midterm elections, marking the first time a sitting pontiff has ever participated in a secular political election.
The Holy See Press Office officially confirmed on Friday that the religious leader, who holds American citizenship, participated in the recent elections. The results of the midterm saw the Democratic Party gain control of Congress.
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The Pope expressed his pride while speaking to a reporter while traveling from Rome to Uruguay for a 12-day international tour. He stated that he was proud to be an American and to exercise the right to vote.
Born in Chicago as Robert Prevost, Leo XIV is the first person born in the United States to ascend to the papacy. He emphasized his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to engage in democratic processes.
This participation represents a significant shift in the historical role of the papacy, as no previous pope is recorded as having voted in any political election before.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
