Pope Leo Votes in U.S. Midterms, Urges Common Good

Pope Leo XIV cast a mail-in ballot in the U.S. midterm elections and later called on political leaders to direct their authority toward the common good, without endorsing a party or candidate. The Vatican said Leo submitted his ballot in Chicago, Illinois, as a U.S. citizen. The Holy See Press Office described participation in democratic processes as a citizen’s right and duty. Leo’s choice of candidates has not been disclosed, and the Vatican’s confirmation provides no basis for determining how he voted. At his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, November 4, Leo spoke about the responsibilities of political institutions. He said the political community exists to serve the common good and that political authority should be exercised with the good of the entire human family in mind. He did not address the midterm results or express support for either party. The remarks followed the November 3 elections, which determined the balance of power in Congress. Leo’s comments were part of continuing reflections on the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes and its discussion of the Church’s relationship with modern society. The audience...