The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV cast a mail-in ballot in the United States midterm elections. The Holy See Press Office said the pontiff, a US citizen, sent his ballot to Chicago, Illinois, where he is registered to vote. The Vatican did not disclose how he voted.
Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, is the first American pope. Specialists in papal history say they know of no earlier pontiff who has taken part in a civil election.
The move comes amid public disagreements with President Donald Trump, who criticised the pope in April. The White House has not commented. The Vatican said the pope upholds citizens' right and duty to take part in democratic processes.