Pope Criticizes Harris and Trump, Urging Catholics to Choose ‘Lesser Evil’

During his recent flight back to Rome after a four-nation tour in Asia, Pope Francis criticized both major U.S. presidential candidates for their stances on abortion and migration, which he described as anti-life. He urged American Catholics to carefully consider whom they see as the “lesser evil” in the upcoming elections.

“Both candidates contradict the life issue, whether it’s one who expels migrants or the one who supports abortion,” Francis remarked.

Although he did not mention Donald Trump or Kamala Harris by name, the pope’s comments were pointed as he addressed the contentious issues that resonate profoundly within the Catholic community.

Pope Francis has long prioritized the welfare of migrants. He voiced that welcoming outsiders is a biblical imperative and emphasized that failure to do so constitutes a “grave sin.” This reflection mirrors his consistent advocacy for the rights of migrants throughout his papacy.

On abortion, he delivered a strong message as well. “Having an abortion is tantamount to killing a human being. Whether one prefers to call it what it is or not, it constitutes killing,” he asserted. “This is a matter we need to confront with clarity.”

When asked how voters might navigate their choices, the pope underscored the importance of civic duty. He encouraged voters to make informed decisions about whom to support, emphasizing that the choice of ‘lesser evil’ is a personal and conscience-driven one.

“One should vote and choose the lesser evil,” he stated. “Who is the lesser evil, man or woman? That is for everyone to decide based on their conscience.”

The responses from the campaigns of Harris and Trump were not available immediately following the pope’s remarks.

Pope Francis’s comments come at a time when U.S. President Joe Biden, who identifies as a practicing Catholic, aligns with Harris on maintaining strong support for abortion rights. This position has drawn criticism from conservative Catholic bishops, with some advocating for Biden to be denied Communion. Despite this, after meeting with the pope at the Vatican in 2021, Biden reported that Francis affirmed him as a “good Catholic” who is entitled to continue receiving the sacrament.

Francis has previously addressed concerns surrounding the intersection of politics and faith, noting that bishops should act as shepherds rather than political actors. This principle guided his thoughts during the news conference as well.

This isn’t the first time the pope has commented on U.S. elections. In 2016, he famously remarked on Trump’s proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, stating that individuals who promote such divisive measures are “not Christian.”

Reflecting on his past experiences, Pope Francis remembered the Mass he celebrated at the U.S.-Mexico border, where he noted the desolate footwear left behind by migrants who faced tragic fates.

Trump’s immigration policies have featured promises of extensive deportations, reminiscent of his previous campaign efforts, despite practical challenges in implementing such sweeping measures.

The bishops’ conference in the U.S. has publicly defined abortion as the “preeminent priority” for Catholic voters in their guidance. Meanwhile, Harris stands firmly in favor of reinstating federal protections for abortion rights, highlighting the contentious atmosphere leading to the election.

On the issue of abortion, Pope Francis reiterated his belief that life begins early in gestation, stating, “A month after conception, all human organs are already present. This makes abortion a form of killing, whether people like to call it that or not.”

It is important to note that medical perspectives tell a more complex story, with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explaining that organ development begins early but is not fully formed until later into the pregnancy.

In other discussions, Pope Francis denied a rumor pertaining to a visit to Paris for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, expressing a desire to travel to the Canary Islands to draw attention to migrant issues. He downplayed speculation surrounding a possible return to Argentina but expressed a strong wish to visit his homeland, highlighting unresolved matters that hinder such plans.

Additionally, the pope characterized China as a “promise and a hope” for the Catholic Church and expressed aspirations to visit the country in the future. He condemned the recent revelations of sexual abuse within the Church, labeling such actions as “demonic,” particularly in response to allegations against renowned figures like Abbe Pierre.

In summary, Pope Francis’s reflections on the upcoming U.S. elections serve as a call to thoughtful engagement for Catholic voters, particularly on issues that significantly affect the moral landscape of society.

Source: Associated Press