Pope Leo submitted a mail-in ballot in the midterm elections held on 3 November, according to a Vatican statement released on Friday. The pontiff, who was born in Chicago, registered to vote at an address in New Lenox, Illinois on 3 October. The Vatican said Leo, born Robert Prevost before his election, has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen. The statement indicated he had previously voted when eligible in other locations, including Peru, where he served as a missionary for an extended period.
Leo became the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church following the death of his predecessor last year. The Vatican emphasized that the pontiff believes citizens have both a right and responsibility to participate in democratic processes. Leo submitted his ballot request approximately 10 days before undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung. He was discharged from the hospital on 17 October and has been gradually resuming his duties.
The pontiff and US President Donald Trump have engaged in public disagreements regarding multiple policy matters. Leo has characterized Trump’s immigration policies as “inhuman,” while Trump has criticized the pope’s statements on foreign policy and other matters, including remarks about the US-Israeli military actions. In response to Trump’s criticism, Leo stated he was “not afraid” of the president. Earlier in the year, Leo delivered an address highlighting America’s historical role in welcoming migrants and calling citizens to uphold the nation’s founding principles, which observers interpreted as a further criticism of the administration’s approach.
According to Vatican officials, a papal visit to the United States is anticipated in the “not too distant future,” with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher noting the outcome of the midterm elections could influence whether such a trip occurs in 2027 or at a later date. Leo is scheduled to travel to Latin America in November for an 11-day visit spanning 10 cities.
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