Pope Leo XIV Says He Requested a Mail Ballot for US Midterm Elections

Pope Leo XIV, the 14th pope and the first born in the United States, said on his flight from Rome to Uruguay that he had voted by mail in the United States midterm elections. He said he was proud to be an American and to exercise that right. The Pope, who usually avoids explicit political comment, is believed to be the first pope to vote in political elections while in office. His predecessor, Pope Francis, the Argentine who preceded Leo, abstained.

Local officials in Will County, near Chicago, confirmed last week that the Pope had requested a mail ballot for the midterm elections. On October 30, the Vatican had said that the Pope believed in “the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.”

Reuters reported that the Pope has previously angered President Donald Trump by strongly criticizing the war against Iran. Asked by a journalist for his view of the midterm results in Texas, where Democrats won the governorship and a United States Senate seat as part of a national trend of electoral gains, the Pope said he had no comment.

The Pope arrived in Uruguay on Friday at the start of a 12-day tour of South America. The trip came three weeks after he had surgery to remove a lung cancer. The operation took place on October 13 at a hospital in Rome, where a cancer tumor and part of his right lung were removed. The Vatican told doctors that he could travel and did not need further treatment.

“I know that some doubted that this journey could be completed,” the Pope said. “I had no doubt, and I was sure that this trip would have to be made. I am very glad that I can say glory to God.”

Asked whether he had advice for people diagnosed with cancer, he said, “Don’t be afraid,” and added that “early detection is undoubtedly the best solution, so periodic medical examinations are a real blessing. Take care of yourselves.” Asked about tennis, one of his favorite sports, he said, “Not yet, but I’m going back to her,” a remark that reflects his concern for peace in the world (Matthew 5:9).

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)