Pope Leo XIV has cast a postal vote in the United States midterm elections, which take place next week, becoming the first pope to vote in an election.

Born in Chicago as Robert Francis Prevost, Leo is also the first American to hold the papacy. His participation brings an unprecedented element to these elections: a serving pontiff exercising his rights as a US citizen.

The Vatican said he had exercised his right to vote as an American citizen, as he had done previously. That explanation presents the ballot as a continuation of his participation in American civic life, rather than a new departure prompted by his position as pope.

More than 43 million Americans have already taken part in early voting. Leo’s postal ballot therefore comes amid substantial participation ahead of polling day.