Pope Leo becomes first pontiff to vote in US election

· Politics · United States

Pope Leo XIV cast a ballot by mail in the US midterm elections, the Vatican press office said, a historic first for the American-born pontiff. The Vatican said the Chicago-born pope believes citizens have a "right and duty" to take part in democratic elections. The pontiff has had a tense relationship with President Donald Trump, clashing over immigration.

Why it matters：The first papal vote in a US election draws the Vatican into a charged political moment and underscores the pope's break with past caution.

Key points

  • Leo XIV voted by mail in the midterms
  • He is the first pontiff to vote in a US election
  • The Chicago-born pope has clashed with Trump over immigration

Sources (original reporting)

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