U.S.-born Pope Leo XIV says he voted in the midterms, underscoring a rare moment of civic participation
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Pope Leo XIV said he cast a mail-in ballot in the recent U.S. midterm elections while speaking aboard the papal plane, and also discussed his health, cancer recovery, and an upcoming South American trip.
Pope Leo XIV told CNN reporters on board the papal plane that he had cast a mail-in ballot in the recent U.S. midterm elections, marking what appears to be the first time a pope has taken part in a secular democratic vote. > "I am proud to be an American, and exercise the right [to vote]," he said.
When asked about the election results, the pontiff declined to comment, including on the outcome in Texas where a Democratic candidate won a Senate seat. The Vatican confirmed on October 30 that the pope had voted and noted that he has historically sought to vote when possible. Records show that, before his election, Leo—born Robert Prevost in Chicago—voted in both Republican and Democratic primaries in Illinois and also cast a ballot in the 2024 presidential election.
The pope, who has previously expressed disagreement with the administration of President Donald Trump on issues such as the war in Iran and migration, is preparing for a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The itinerary includes 36 speeches and around 50 events, covering roughly 19,000 miles and an ascent to Cusco, Peru, at more than 11,000 feet above sea level.
Leo XIV, who underwent lung-cancer surgery three weeks earlier, said he feels "fairly good" and attributes his recovery to "trust in God, good doctors and a healthy lifestyle." Vatican medical officials reported that the cancer was detected early, the surgery was successful and no further treatment is required.
Speaking to a journalist from The New York Times, the pope emphasized that healthcare should be a right for all people and expressed solidarity with those who are ill. He also mentioned plans to resume playing tennis and encouraged early detection and regular health checks for cancer patients.
Addressing the press collectively, Leo highlighted his long-standing connection to Peru, where he served as a missionary and bishop for about two decades, and said he was "very happy to be going back there."