Pope Leo XIV exercised his right to vote in the mid-terms as a U.S. citizen living outside U.S. borders by voting by mail in ballot. A right he has exercised for years in other elections.

He is the first Pope to vote in a U.S. election. He did so via a mail in ballot to his native Chicago area.

Pope Leo is legally allowed to vote in the U.S. Even though he is the leader of Vatican City and the Vatican is considered a foreign country.

The Pope was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago on September 14, 1955. 

He is an American citizen living abroad. He did not lose his voting rights when he moved to the Vatican. He is registered to vote at his older brother John’s address in suburban New Lenox.

The Uniform and Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 1986 spells out the process for Americans to vote who live outside U.S. borders. The law requires States to allow “oversea voters to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot.”

I bet no one had to remind Pope Leo to vote.

I had the good fortune to visit Rome on two occasions. Once for a whole month. One of my nurses is Debbie. She mentioned during her last visit she was going to Rome and some other Italian cities next year. She had already made her reservation to tour the Vatican.

I suggested some other places she should visit also. One was the home and studio of poet and fiction writer John Keats. Keats was an exceptional writer. Unfortunately he died at a young age. He was a mere 25. He was born on 1795 in London and died in 1821 in Rome.

He studied first to be a doctor. Found he did not enjoy doctoring and began wring. Poetry and then fiction.

He acquired TB. His doctor recommended a warmer climate. He moved to Rome. Purchased a 3 or 4 story building immediately next to the Spanish Steps. I accidently came upon the building on a day I was sitting on the Spanish Steps recovering from too much sight seeing. I noticed a small brass plaque on the front of the building. Something to the effect…..Residence of John Keats.

I entered. Glad I did. 

The top floor consisted of the bedroom where he died and a larger room where he did his writings. Little of his works were formally printed at the time of his death. What the writing room contained were primarily hand written notes and phrases on pieces of paper. All under glass of course.

I had read some Keats in my lifetime. Not much, however. I came across a scrap of paper with words I immediately recalled. And which many of you will also: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” I was moved.

I recommend Keats’ building to everyone I discover will be visiting Rome.

Disgusting. An ICE agent running down and over a fleeing man. The photographs prove the deliberateness of the ICE act. He will be charged criminally.

 Time changes tomorrow. Don’t forget to change your watch and clocks.

Martin Luther pasted his 95 revolutionary theses on a Church door on this day in 1517. Something you and I learned in grammar school.

I sort of met Ed Sullivan two times. When I was in college in New York City in the mid 1950s, I had a job making deliveries. Many were to the building where Sullivan had his studio and offices. We were on the same elevator those two times. In addition to several other persons. Each time Sullivan was the perfect gentleman and acted as if our host with his kind hellos.

An article on the internet this morning listed the seven most dirty places in a home. Toilets did not make the list.

Halloween expensive and busy. It is estimated the people of the U.S. will spend $13.5 billion this year. Must be the increased cost of candy. Busy a big time concern. I refer specifically to the many kids who will be roaming the streets tonight tricking and treating. Be careful! We have to think for them!

Christmas 2026 on sale already. Publix has red Santa hats for sale. Home Depot and Ross’s a multitude of items.

The Mount Rushmore National Shrine was completed this day in 1941. Trump wants his face thereon. No way, Jose! No way like he will never receive a Nobel Prize for Peace either.

Peanut and jelly is America’s favorite sandwich. For young and old alike. We acquire the taste in our youth and go for it as adults.

I again admonish care tonight while driving because of the multitude of children that will be out and about.

Enjoy your day!