Pope Leo XIV: “I am proud to be an American and to have voted”

Pope Leo XIV expressed pride in his American citizenship and in exercising his right to vote following his arrival in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, the first stop on his visit to Latin America.

“I am proud to be an American and to have exercised my right to vote,” the Pontiff told journalists.

Asked whether he would also vote in Peru, given that he holds American, Vatican, and Peruvian citizenship, Pope Leo replied that he believed it would be a good thing but that he did not have the opportunity to do so.

Referring to his recent surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, Pope Leo also shared a message of hope with cancer patients who have undergone surgical procedures.

“I would like to tell them not to be afraid, that regular check-ups are a blessing. The best thing is to take care of yourself,” he said.

The Pontiff also told journalists that he feels “better than before,” attributing his recovery and well-being to three essential factors: “Faith in God, good doctors, and a healthy lifestyle.”