Pope Leo XIV has done something no pope before him has done. He voted in an American general election.

The Chicago native mailed in an Illinois ballot for Tuesday's midterms, according to reports. The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the 71-year-old used his right to vote as a U.S. citizen.

A habit he kept

Church officials say Leo has voted in U.S. elections whenever he could, even during the years he lived in Peru. In their view taking part in democracy is something citizens are entitled to as well as obligated to do.

Timing around his surgery

Leo, whose birth name is Robert Prevost, reportedly asked for his ballot on October 3. Ten days later he went in for an operation on a malignant growth in his right lung.

Doctors found the cancer just weeks ago. At Gemelli Hospital in Rome the medical team removed the bottom section of that lung. He left the hospital on October 17 and has been easing back into his duties since then.

Who got his vote

That part stays private. His record shows he has voted in both Democratic primaries as well as Republican primaries over the years.

The vote comes after Leo has publicly disagreed with President Trump on issues like immigration and war. There is no sign of which candidates he picked.