Pope Leo XIV said he was proud to exercise his right to vote as an American in the recent US midterm elections.
Speaking aboard the papal plane to South America, the first American-born pope responded to a question from CNN about the importance of his vote. The pope’s decision to vote by mail is likely the first time a pope has voted in a secular, democratic election.
“I am proud to be an American and to exercise my right (to vote),” said Leo XIV.
The Pope did not He gave no 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 Democratic senator James Talarico. Leo made the remarks as he personally addressed and 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 this statement while on board.
Records show that before his election as pontiff, Leo, whose Christian name is Robert Prevost, voted in the past in both Republican and Democratic primaries in Illinois. He also voted in the 2024 election. Although it is unclear how Leo
The pope begins the most important visit of his papacy, a little more than three weeks after lung cancer surgery. Despite the visit’s busy schedule, the pope told reporters he had always been confident the trip would go ahead and praised his “wonderful” medical team.
Leo He will visit Cusco, which is more than 11,000 feet above sea level and where there is 35 percent less oxygen per breath.
“I know that some people doubted that this trip would take place,” the pope told reporters. “I admit that from the first day I had no doubts and I was convinced that this journey must continue.”
He added that he was “in pretty good shape,” telling another reporter that he relied on “trust in God, good doctors and a healthy lifestyle.” According to the Vatican, doctors said Leo
The pope, speaking to a New York Times reporter, said that after his hospital stay he wanted to emphasize “how health care should be a right for all.” He added that he felt “close to those who are sick”.
Leo He added that “early detection is obviously the best way forward” and “regular checks are a blessing”.
Speaking collectively to reporters, the pope noted that the longest part of his visit took place in Peru, a country where he served as a missionary and bishop for about two decades. Leo added that he was “very happy to go back.”
The Pope also shared a few jokes on board. A Reuters reporter asked the pope, given his recent meeting with Bob Dylan, if Leo could organize a Bruce Springsteen concert for Vatican journalists. “Some things are beyond my salary,” the pope joked.
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