Pope Leo XIV has become the first pontiff to vote in a US election after mailing a ballot for the country’s midterm elections.
The election will determine control of the US Congress. Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, took part by submitting his vote by post.
The pope’s decision comes against the backdrop of a tense relationship with Donald Trump. No further details about the ballot or the nature of that relationship were provided.
Leo XIV’s vote marks a departure from the established position of previous pontiffs, making him the first pope known to have participated in a US election. The midterm elections will decide which party controls Congress.
