Pope Leo XIV exercises his right to vote in the midterms

Pope Leo XIV exercised his right to vote in the midterm elections, according to the Vatican.

"Pope Leo XIV has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen, whenever he was eligible to do so," and, "in keeping with this long-standing practice of civic participation, he has submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago," reads the statement issued by the Holy See, as reported by AFP.

The Vatican also indicated that Robert Prevost had voted in the past while living in Peru, where he spent nearly two decades as a missionary and, later, as a bishop in that country.

"The Holy Father has also confirmed that, during his years of residence in Peru he exercised his right to vote whenever he was eligible to do so," the statement adds.

It is unknown for whom the pope voted. Since assuming the role of head of the Catholic Church, Leo XIV has had several disputes with President Donald Trump related to various issues, such as immigration and the war in the Middle East.

The midterm elections are scheduled to take place next Tuesday, Nov. 3.

On October 13, Leo XIV underwent surgery for lung cancer at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy. Following the operation, he remained hospitalized for several days, all of them on the general ward. On Oct. 17, he was discharged.

After being diagnosed with a malignant lung tumor and before undergoing surgery, Trump wished the pontiff a speedy recovery.

"I want to see Pope Leo get well. I hear the prognosis for that type of a problem–it’s cancer, it’s big stuff anytime you have cancer–but the prognosis seems to be good. I’ve watched, and we just want to wish him our love and our best wishes," said the president.

Once he was discharged from the hospital, Leo XIV resumed his schedule. Among his planned activities is an official trip to South America, specifically to Argentina, Peru and Uruguay. He will be there from Nov. 6 to 17.