Pope Leo XIV casts ballot in US midterm elections
The Vatican confirmed on Friday that Pope Leo XIV voted in the United States midterm elections. The Vatican press office stated, “The Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a citizen of the United States whenever he has had the opportunity.”
This is the first time a pope has publicly announced having voted.
For these elections, “in accordance with this well-established practice of civic participation, the Pope sent his ballot by mail to Chicago,” the Vatican statement detailed.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, spent nearly two decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru and holds both American and Peruvian citizenship.
The Vatican also confirmed that he voted while residing in Peru. “The Holy Father expresses his conviction regarding the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the statement concluded.
Pope Leo XIV has publicly opposed U.S. President Donald Trump on several occasions, particularly regarding the treatment of migrants and the war in Iran.
In April, Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV on his Truth Social platform, stating he was “not a big fan” and didn’t want “a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States.” He further described Leo XIV as “WEAK on crime, and catastrophic on foreign policy.”
Pope Leo XIV responded that he was “not afraid” of the American administration and had a “moral duty” to speak out for peace.
The US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3rd.
Source
“États-Unis : Le pape Léon XIV a voté par correspondance aux élections de mi-mandat”
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