Pope Leo: 'Proud to be American and to have voted'

"I am proud to be American and I am proud to have exercised a right," that of having voted in the midterm elections in the United States. Pope Leo, the first Pontiff in history to have sent in his ballot to his country, does not back down and explains the importance of that gesture while conversing with journalists on the flight that took him from Rome to Montevideo. Pope Leo XIV arrives Montevideo Prevost has arrived in South America: first stop Uruguay, to be followed by Argentina and Peru. And to those who ask him whether he would be inclined to vote in any elections in Peru as well, given that he also holds citizenship of that country where he lived for twenty years, he explained that in that case it is not possible, but that he would gladly do so because voting "is a good thing." But in greeting the roughly eighty journalists accompanying him on this trip, the Pope speaks above all, and does so openly, about his health. He is in good shape, handling questions, greetings, handshakes and, above all, the more than thirteen hours of intercontinental flight. He is happy about this international 'tour'. "I know that many had doubted the possibility of this trip - he says - but I never had any doubts that we could go ahead". The Pope in South America, has landed in Montevideo He stresses that his secret is "faith in God, good doctors and a healthy lifestyle". To those who ask whether he has also taken up playing tennis again, he replies: "Not yet, but I will". Leo, conversing with the journalists, then also takes the opportunity to send a message of hope to all cancer patients: "I would tell them not to be afraid, regular check-ups are a blessing", "the best thing is to take care of yourself". When asked how he feels after the surgery, he replies: "Perhaps better than before". Finally, he underlines the importance, in his role as Pontiff, of "accompanying the sick and promoting public health". The Pope in South America, has landed in Montevideo Great recognition goes to the doctors who treated him, and he says he received "wonderful care". And the question of peace also returns in his words, a goal that remains for Leo XIV the priority. After the phone calls to Russian president Vladimir Putin, in this case right from his hospital bed at the Gemelli, and to the Ukrainian one, Volodymyr Zelensky, to allow a truce for that exhausted town, Oleshky, with its inhabitants reduced to hunger, the Pope commented: "Thank God for what was achieved", "a humanitarian gesture can save lives", "let us hope it is not an isolated case". The Pope in South America, has landed in Montevideo "Unfortunately, however, there is still much to be done to reach peace," Leo added. Finally, there was also time for a few jokes, among those who gave him a glass for mate or a Laura Pausini record, American peanuts and various books. After Bob Dylan, the Vatican watchers would like to see Bruce Springsteen and even attend one of his concerts in the Vatican. "Some things are above my pay grade", a joke that in Italian roughly sounds like: it is a matter that goes beyond the competencies of my salary. All rights reserved © Copyright ANSA