Pope Leo XIVwhich became the first session pontiff will vote in US electionsdeclared himself Friday “proud to be American and to exercise my right” to vote.
His remarks, made to journalists en route to Latin America to a 12 day tripafter the Vatican confirmed that the US-born pontiff had voted by mail in his hometown of Chicago. He declined to comment on the outcome of the midterm electionswhich gave control of Congress to Democrats in repudiation of President Trump. Instead, he pointed to the statement released by the Vatican last week, which cited its long-held belief in civic participation.
The Pope, former cardinal Robert Prevost“exercised his right to vote as an American citizen, whenever eligible,” the Holy See press office said in an Oct. 30 statement.
“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the Vatican said in a statement.
Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images 
The pope has a long history of civic engagement in the United States, the Vatican said, confirming that during his nearly two decades as a missionary and then bishop in Peru, Leo voted whenever he was eligible. He holds American and Peruvian nationality.
The Associated Press reported that Leo, under the name Robert Prevost, had previously voted in five primary elections since 2000 – in the 2008 and 2019 Democratic runoffs and the 2012, 2014 and 2016 Republican runoffs.
Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images 
Leo said Friday that he was unable to vote in Peru’s recent elections because postal votes “are not possible.”
“But I would have done it. It’s a good thing,” he said, according to the AP.
U.S. federal law allows U.S. citizens, even those who work for foreign governments, to retain their citizenship.
The 71-year-old pope is on a 12-day tour of three countries, just three weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor of his right lung. He was cleared to travel on October 26, two weeks after his operation.
“I’m very happy to be here myself. I know some people doubted that this trip would happen,” Leo told reporters as he welcomed them to the back of the plane. “I admit that from day one I had no doubt. I was convinced that this journey had to go ahead and very happy to say, praise the Lord and thanks to wonderful medical assistance, I am here today, I think, in pretty good shape.”
However, he admitted that he had not yet had the opportunity to play tennis.
“Not yet, but I will,” he said.
On October 13, doctors removed the lion’s lower lobe. right lung after discovering a malignant tumor. The cancer, identified as lung adenocarcinoma, was discovered accidentally during a routine abdominal exam, his doctors said. The operation was successful, without complicationsand Leo was released from hospital on October 17.
“Early detection is obviously the best way to go, and so regular check-ups are a blessing,” Leo said, attributing his recovery to “trusting God, good doctors, good surgeons and overall I think a healthy lifestyle.”
Gn usa
