Pope Leo casts ballot in U.S. midterm elections from Chicago
The 71-year-old pontiff exercised his citizenship rights via mail-in vote ahead of a tour of Latin America.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Pope Leo voted in the U.S. midterm elections via a mail-in ballot from Chicago.
The 71-year-old pontiff, who holds U.S. and Peruvian citizenship, confirmed the action Friday while speaking to reporters before a trip to Latin America. He stated he was proud to be an American and to exercise his right. The Vatican confirmed on Oct. 30 that the U.S.-born pope had voted. The Holy See noted that Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has exercised his right as a U.S. citizen whenever eligible. This includes voting during his nearly two decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru. The Associated Press reported that Prevost voted in five primary elections since 2000. He voted on Democratic ballots in 2008 and 2019 and on Republican ballots in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Leo declined to comment on the election results, which gave Democrats control of Congress. He instead pointed to the Vatican statement released the previous week. That statement cited his belief in the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.
The pope is currently on a 12-day tour of three nations. This trip takes place three weeks after he underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his right lung. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his lung on Oct. 13 after discovering a lung adenocarcinoma during a routine exam. The operation was successful, and Leo was discharged on Oct. 17. He was cleared to travel on Oct. 26. Leo told reporters on the plane that he had no doubt the trip would proceed. He credited his recovery to good doctors and a healthy lifestyle. He added that he had not yet played tennis but intended to do so. He also noted that he could not vote in Peru's recent election because absentee ballots were not possible, though he said he would have voted if he could.
The next leg of the tour involves visits to countries in Latin America. Leo will continue his public appearances as part of this three-nation journey. He arrived in fair condition after his recent medical procedure.
