Pope Leo XIV has made history by becoming the first sitting pontiff to participate in a US general election.
The Chicago-born Pope cast his vote through a mail-in ballot ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, the Vatican confirmed on Friday.
The Holy See stated that Leo, formerly known as Robert Prevost, has exercised his voting rights as an American citizen whenever eligible, including during his years in Peru, where he served as a missionary priest and bishop for over two decades.
According to reports, the Pope requested his mail-in ballot on October 3 while registered in New Lenox, Illinois. His participation highlights his continued connection with the United States despite living at the Vatican.
The development comes amid his public differences with US President Donald Trump over issues including immigration, war and international relations. Trump had previously criticised the pontiff, describing him as “weak”.
Responding to the criticism, Leo said, “I’m not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the church works for.”
He has also reiterated his opposition to war, calling for peace, dialogue and diplomatic solutions between nations.
