Pope Leo XIV confirmed this Friday, during the flight from Rome to Montevideo that marked the start of his sixth apostolic journey, that he voted in the United States legislative elections. Asked by American journalists, the Pope replied: «I have already made a statement on this; I am proud to be American and to exercise the right to vote». He also explained that he did not vote in the Peruvian elections, of which he is also a citizen, because there was no technical possibility of doing so from abroad, and added that, had he been able, he would have done so, because «it is a good thing». According to Vatican News, the Pontiff voted by mail.
The confirmation comes a week after InfoVaticana reported that Robert Prevost had requested to vote in Illinois, in a petition registered on October 3 at the office of the Will County clerk, in the Chicago metropolitan area. This is a gesture without precedent in the recent history of the papacy.
«From the first day, I have had no doubts» about the trip
While greeting one by one the 82 accredited journalists, the Pope referred to the doubts that had arisen about the tour through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru following his recent lung surgery. «I know many had doubts about this trip. I, from the first day, have had no doubts», he declared, convinced that it had to go ahead, and attributed his strength to faith —«the Lord is very generous with me»— and also to «good doctors and a healthy life».
Regarding his recovery at Gemelli, he recounted that he read the breviary, prayer books and newspapers, and that he has not yet returned to playing tennis, although he will. He asked cancer patients not to be afraid and to undergo regular check-ups, which he considered a blessing, and defended that healthcare should be a right for all. The trip will last twelve days, with fourteen locations, more than fifty commitments and around forty speeches, and will conclude on November 17.
Of the itinerary he highlighted that each country has «a very particular history», with «many things in common» and «many differences». About Peru, the longest stage, he said it is «one of my many homes» and that it makes him happy to return to Chiclayo, where he was a missionary and bishop, while the visit to Argentina will be, in his view, «a tribute» to Francis, «in the sense that I visit his country, which he could not visit».
«Want to, I do»: the response to COPE about Spain
COPE’s Vatican correspondent, Eva Fernández, presented the Pope with a plaque of the Camino de Santiago and asked the Pontiff about a possible visit to Spain during the 2027 Holy Year of St. James. Leo XIV replied, according to COPE reports: «Want to, I do. Another thing is what one can do». He did not announce any trip, therefore, but did express his desire to go.
The same journalist handed him a letter from the parents of Pablo Reneo, a young man from Alcorcón who died of cancer in September. Asked later whether he feels more comfortable speaking Spanish, the Pope sidestepped the question with a «Wait and see».
Alvarado debuts as prefect of Communication
On the same flight, Leo XIV officially introduced Montserrat «Montse» Alvarado as the new prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, replacing Paolo Ruffini. Alvarado has held the position since November 1 and is traveling with the Pope on this, her first apostolic journey at the head of the dicastery, whose experience and creativity the Pontiff highlighted in a field he described as fundamental. The Pope also referred to Ukraine, where he celebrated the truce in Oleshky that he himself promoted, although he warned that there is still a long way to go to achieve peace.