Pope Leo becomes first pontiff in history to cast ballot in US election

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pontiff to cast ballot in an election after casting a ballot by mail in the US midterm elections.

The historic first for the American-born pontiff was announced by the Vatican press office on Friday,.

“In keeping with this long-standing practice of civic participation, he has submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago,” the Vatican said. “The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.”

Leo, 71, was born in Chicago and is the first American-born pope. He registered to vote in Illinois under his birth name Robert Francis Prevost and requested a ballot on October 3, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Thursday, citing the Will County Clerk’s office.

The pope had the lower lobe of his right lung removed in surgery on October 13 and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Doctors say he will not need further therapy.

He is set to travel to South America next week.