Pope Leo says he was proud to vote as an American

Pope Leo XIV said he was proud to vote as an American in the U.S. midterm elections, but declined to comment on the results while traveling to South America on Friday. He did not disclose how he voted. The Vatican said on October 30 that Leo had cast a ballot and believes citizens have a right and duty to participate in democratic processes. During the flight, the pope referred reporters to that statement when asked about his vote. His remarks concerned exercising the right to vote, not support for a candidate or party. Leo, who was born in Chicago and also holds Peruvian citizenship, said he had not voted in Peru because overseas absentee voting was unavailable. He said he would have voted if it had been possible. The Vatican’s statement said he had voted when eligible, including while living in Peru. Asked about the midterm outcome, Leo declined to offer a reaction. The results gave Democrats control of Congress, according to reports on the election. His ballot choice has not been made public. The pope spoke aboard the papal plane en route to Uruguay, the first stop of a 12-day tour that also includes Argentina and Peru. The trip began on Friday, November 6, and is scheduled...