Pope Leo XIV Makes First Sitting Pontiff to Cast Ballot in U.S. Election
Pope Leo XIV becomes the first sitting pontiff to vote in a U.S. election, expressing pride in his American citizenship and the importance of civic duty.
POLICY WIRE — Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first sitting pope to cast a vote in a United States election, stating on Friday that he is “proud to be an American and to exercise my right” to do so.
The pontiff shared these comments with the press while departing for a 12-day journey to Latin America. This follows Vatican confirmation that the U.S.-born leader submitted a mail-in ballot from his home city of Chicago.
While the pope declined to discuss the specific results of the midterm elections—which saw Democrats regain control of Congress in a shift away from President Trump—he referenced a previous Vatican statement regarding his civic convictions.
In a statement dated Oct. 30, the Holy See press office noted that Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has consistently utilized his voting rights as a U.S. citizen whenever he was eligible.
The Vatican emphasized that the Holy Father views it as both a right and a duty for citizens to engage in democratic systems.
The pope maintains a lengthy history of political engagement in the United States. The Holy See confirmed that during his nearly twenty years spent serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru, he voted whenever possible. He holds dual citizenship with the US and Peru.
Records from the Associated Press indicate that as Robert Prevost, Leo participated in five primary elections since 2000. His record includes Democratic ballots in 2008 and 2019, as well as Republican ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
Regarding international voting, Leo mentioned that he was unable to participate in a recent Peruvian election because the country does not offer absentee ballots. He remarked that he would have done so if possible, calling it a good thing.
Under United States federal law, American citizens are permitted to maintain their citizenship even if they are employed by foreign governments.
The 71-year-old leader is currently beginning a tour of three nations, just three weeks after undergoing surgery to excise a cancerous growth from his right lung. He received medical clearance to fly on Oct. 26, exactly two weeks after his procedure.
Leo expressed his joy at being on the trip, acknowledging that some may have questioned if the journey would take place. He stated he had no doubts about the itinerary from the start and credited his recovery to excellent medical care and his faith.
The pope also joked that he had not yet found the opportunity to return to tennis.
On Oct. 13, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung after discovering a malignant lung adenocarcinoma. The cancer was found by chance during a routine check of his abdomen. The surgery was successful without complications, and he left the hospital on Oct. 17.
Leo highlighted early detection as a blessing, attributing his health to regular checkups, his medical team, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
