Pope Leo XIV has said he was proud to exercise his right to vote as an American in the recent US midterm elections .
Speaking on board the papal plane to South America, the first US-born pope responded to a question from CNN about the significance of him voting. The pope’s decision to cast a mail-in ballot is likely the first time a pope has voted in secular, democratic elections.
“I am proud to be an American, and exercise the right [to vote],” Leo XIV said.
The pope did not give any reaction to the US midterm election results while on board and said “no comment” when asked about the outcome in Texas which saw the traditionally Republican state elect Democrat Senator James Talarico . Leo made his remarks as he both addressed and personally greeted journalists traveling with him from Rome to Montevideo on Friday.
On October 30, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo had voted in the midterm elections, adding that he had always sought to vote when possible. The pope also referred to that statement when on board.
Records show that, before his election as pontiff, Leo, whose baptismal name is Robert Prevost, has in the past voted in both Republican and Democrat primaries in Illinois. He also cast a vote in the 2024 election. While it is not known how Leo XIV voted, the Chicago-born pontiff has publicly disagreed with US President Donald Trump’s administration over issues such as the war in Iran and migration.
The pope is embarking on the most significant visit of his papacy a little over 3 weeks since lung cancer surgery . Despite the intense schedule of the visit, the pope told reporters he had always been confident the trip would go ahead and praised his “wonderful” medical team.
Leo XIV’s 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru is very intense and will see him covering 19,000 miles, give 36 speeches, participate in around 50 events. He will visit Cusco, which is more than 11,000 feet above sea-level and where there is 35% less oxygen per breath.
“I know some people were doubtful about this trip taking place,” the pope told reporters. “I confess that from the first day I had no doubt, and was convinced, that this trip had to go forward.”
He added that he was in “fairly good shape,” telling another reporter that he relies on “trust in God, good doctors and a healthy lifestyle.” According to the Vatican, doctors have said that Leo XIV’s cancer was detected at an early stage during routine checks, that the surgery successfully removed the cancer and that he needs no further treatment.
The pope, speaking to a journalist from The New York Times, said that following his time in hospital he wanted to underline “how healthcare should be a right of all people.” He added that he felt “close to those who are sick.”
Leo XIV, who likes to stay active and enjoys sports, said he planned to get back to playing tennis and told another reporter for Catholic outlet Our Sunday Visitor those who are facing a cancer diagnosis should not be afraid. He added that “early detection is obviously the best way to go” and that “regular checks are a blessing.”
Bob the poet, meet Bob the priest: Pope Leo receives Bob Dylan at the Vatican
Addressing journalists collectively, the pope pointed out that the longest part of the visit was to Peru, the country he served as a missionary and bishop for around two decades. Leo added that he was “very happy to be going back there.”
The pope also shared some jokes on board. A Reuters journalist asked the pope, given his recent meeting with Bob Dylan , if Leo could arrange for Bruce Springsteen to have a concert for Vatican journalists. “Some things are above my paygrade,” the pope joked.
