
The Chicago-born pontiff submitted a mail-in ballot for the upcoming midterm elections
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Pope Leo, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, has historically participated in US general elections since 2000, with the exception of 2020 and 2022.
Pope Leo has become the first pope to vote in a US general election.
The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the Chicago-born pontiff had submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of November’s midterm elections, citing his long-standing belief in civic participation.
Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, “has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen” and has done so “whenever he was eligible to do so”, the Holy See press office said.

Pope Leo XIV warned at the Vatican that artificial intelligence should not be given legal personality or rights. He emphasized that AI is only a tool and humans must bear full responsibility for its actions, and called for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons and to ensure that the use of AI is ethical and subject to human supervision.

A Catholic priest died in Guayaquil, Ecuador, when a wooden crucifix fell from a church wall and struck him during mass. Witnesses shouted for help as the incident was captured on live stream. The graphic footage later went viral on social media and was widely reported by news outlets.

Pope Leo made his first public appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday following surgery to remove part of his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff addressed pilgrims from the Apostolic Palace, thanking them for their support and pledging a gradual return to his duties.

Pope Leo XIV, who had undergone lung cancer resection only five days ago, made his first public appearance on the 18th. He appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican to preside over Sunday noon prayers. He looked good and thanked everyone for their prayers.

Pope Leo has been discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital four days after undergoing surgery to remove a portion of his right lung. He is expected to resume public duties on Sunday at St. Peter's Square.

The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV will be discharged from the hospital today after undergoing surgery to remove lung adenocarcinoma. The medical team said the postoperative recovery was good, and the Pope is expected to resume public activities in St. Peter's Square tomorrow and maintain his scheduled visit to South America.