Leo XIV becomes the first pope to vote in a US election
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, sent in an absentee ballot for Tuesday's midterm elections.
Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a US election. The Vatican confirmed on Friday that he had submitted a mail-in ballot for Tuesday's midterm elections, after the news was first reported in Chicago.
Leo, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, is the first American to lead the Catholic Church. He holds both US and Peruvian citizenship, reflecting his many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru. The Vatican said he has voted whenever he was eligible and described taking part in elections as both a right and a duty of citizens.
The pope is registered to vote in Will County, Illinois, outside Chicago, and requested an absentee ballot earlier in October, according to county officials. US law allows citizens living abroad to vote by absentee ballot. Under Illinois rules, his ballot must be postmarked by Election Day to count.
How he voted is secret. Leo has often spoken out on issues that touch on US politics, including immigration and war. The Vatican framed his vote as an example of civic participation rather than a political statement.
This summary is original reporting by tehworldnews, written after checking the facts against several major international news outlets and official statements.