Pope Leo XIV Makes History as First Pontiff to Vote in US Election

What Happened

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, has submitted a mail-in ballot in Illinois for the upcoming midterm elections, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The 71-year-old pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost, requested his ballot on October 3, just 10 days before undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung.

This historic vote comes after Pope Leo XIV has publicly clashed with President Trump over issues including immigration and war.

What the Evidence Establishes

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a US citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so, including during his years living in Peru.

The Holy See Press Office stated that the Pope believes citizens have both a right and a duty to participate in democratic processes.

According to NBC News, Pope Leo XIV requested his mail-in ballot from the Will County Clerk's Office on October 3.

The Vatican announced on October 13 that Pope Leo XIV underwent a procedure at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome to remove a small tumor on his right lung.

Where the Accounts Conflict

While the Vatican and other sources confirm that Pope Leo XIV has voted in the US election, there is no indication which candidates received the pope's blessing.

Pope Leo XIV's voting history shows he has participated in both Democratic and Republican primaries over the years, but the specifics of his vote in this election remain unknown.

President Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, saying 'I don't think he's doing a very good job' and 'We don't like a Pope that's going to say that it's OK to have a nuclear weapon.'

Pope Leo XIV responded by saying 'The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace,' according to Reuters.

Context and Stakes

The US midterm elections will determine which political party controls Congress and have a significant impact on the final years of Donald Trump's presidency.

Polls suggest Democrats are the favorite to gain control of the lower chamber of Congress, called the House of Representatives, and are poised to win seats in Republican-leaning areas that overwhelmingly voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

The Vatican's announcement of Pope Leo XIV's vote comes amid tensions between the Pope and the US president over issues including immigration enforcement and the US-Israel war with Iran.

The Pope's historic vote is seen as a significant moment in the relationship between the Vatican and the US, with potential implications for future diplomatic relations.

What to Watch Next

As the US midterm elections approach, all eyes will be on the outcome and its potential impact on the Trump administration and the Vatican.

Pope Leo XIV's health will also be closely monitored, as he continues to recover from his lung cancer surgery.

The Vatican's stance on key issues, including immigration and war, will be watched closely, as will the response from the Trump administration.

Additionally, the reaction from Catholic voters and other stakeholders will be important to watch, as the Pope's historic vote is likely to have significant implications for the Catholic Church and its relationship with the US.

Bottom Line

Pope Leo XIV's decision to vote in the US election marks a historic first for a pontiff and highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between the Vatican and the US.

As the US midterm elections approach, the stakes are high, and the outcome will have significant implications for the Trump administration, the Vatican, and the Catholic Church.

The Pope's vote is a reminder of the importance of civic participation and the role that citizens, including religious leaders, can play in shaping the direction of their countries.

Ultimately, the impact of Pope Leo XIV's vote will depend on the outcome of the election and the subsequent response from the Trump administration and other stakeholders.