Pope Leo votes in US midterm elections, 1st pope to do so
This marks the first known time that a pope has voted in a political election.
Pope Leo XIV, an American citizen, cast his vote in the United States midterm elections, becoming the first pope to do so. Vatican News reported this on Oct. 30, citing a statement from the Holy See Press Office. The Pope, who was born in Chicago, submitted his mail-in ballot in the U.S. capital.
According to the statement, Pope Leo XIV had exercised his right to vote in previous elections while serving as a missionary in Peru. The Pope holds Peruvian citizenship as well. He expressed his belief in the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.
A notable rift existed between U.S. President Donald Trump and the Pope earlier this year. They frequently disagreed over the Pope's criticism of the U.S. immigration crackdown and Iran's war. Trump referred to the Pope as weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy, while the Pope insisted he was not afraid of Trump.
In April, after Trump's threat to destroy Iran, Pope Leo XIV called upon everyone to contribute to peace. He urged people to contact political leaders and congressmen to work for peace and reject war and violence. The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for Nov. 3.
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