Pope Leo the 14th has become the first pontiff to vote in a United States general election, submitting a postal ballot ahead of Tuesday’s midterms.
The Vatican confirmed the Chicago-born Pope had voted, describing participation in democratic processes as both a right and a duty.
His vote comes after public disagreements with President Donald Trump over immigration and the war in Iran.
The Vatican has not disclosed which candidates the Pope supported. Born Robert Francis Prevost, he remains an American citizen and is registered to vote in New Lenox, Illinois.
His position as Vatican head of state does not automatically remove his American citizenship or voting rights.
The confirmation comes as President Donald Trump campaigns to preserve Republican control of Congress.
Leo has criticised the Iran war and the treatment of migrants, but his voting history includes participation in both Republican and Democratic primaries.
