Pope Leo casts first known ballot for a sitting pontiff in US midterms
The Guardian reported that Pope Leo voted in the United States midterm elections, marking the first time a sitting pontiff is known to have cast a ballot in…
The Guardian reported that Pope Leo voted in the United States midterm elections, marking the first time a sitting pontiff is known to have cast a ballot in any political election. The Vatican said on Friday that the American‑born pope submitted his vote by post from Chicago, the city of his birth.
Leo, who became the leader of the Catholic Church last year after Pope Francis died, has previously clashed with former President Donald Trump on several issues. His participation in the election underscores his personal status as a US citizen and his engagement with the civic process.
The vote was sent through the postal system, allowing the pope to fulfill his civic duty while remaining in the Vatican. The move is unprecedented in the history of the papacy, which has traditionally refrained from direct involvement in electoral politics.
Why it matters
It shows a sitting pope exercising his right as a citizen, a first in papal history, and highlights the personal connection between the Vatican leader and the United States.
Key details
- Location
- United States · Americas
- Reported by
- The Guardian
- First reported
- Key names
- Pope Leo, Donald Trump, Chicago Pope Leo, Vatican
- Section
- Politics
Sources
This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:
Read the full story at The GuardianSpotted an error? Request a correction · How this summary was produced
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