Pope Francis Critiques US Presidential Candidates for Anti-Life Policies

On a recent flight back to Rome after a four-country tour of Asia, Pope Francis criticized both major U.S. presidential candidates for what he termed their anti-life policies concerning abortion and migration. He advised American Catholics to choose the “lesser evil” in the upcoming elections.

“Both are against life,” he said, referencing the candidates’ stances on issues that are significant to the Catholic Church. “One kicks out migrants and the other supports killing babies.”

During a media briefing on the airplane, Francis was asked to offer guidance to Catholic voters in the United States, emphasizing that he is not a participant in the U.S. election and would not be voting himself. He did not mention Donald Trump or Kamala Harris directly.

The Pope highlighted two critical issues: abortion and migration. He has made advocating for migrants a central focus of his papacy, often speaking out strongly on their behalf. While he upholds the Church’s doctrine against abortion, he has not emphasized the teachings as strongly as previous popes.

According to Francis, migration is fundamentally a right supported by Scripture. He stated that failing to welcome the stranger as the Bible instructs is a “grave sin.”

In discussing abortion, he did not mince words. “To have an abortion is to kill a human being,” he declared. “Whether you like the word or not, it’s killing. We must see this clearly.”

When asked how voters should approach the elections, he underscored the importance of voting, suggesting that individuals should ponder who might represent the lesser evil. “Who is the lesser evil? The woman or man? I don’t know,” he remarked, urging every voter to critically reflect on their decision.

This is not the first occasion that Pope Francis has offered his views on U.S. elections. During the lead-up to the 2016 presidential race, he responded to Trump’s proposed border wall by stating that anyone wanting to build a wall to exclude migrants “is not Christian.”

In his latest comments, he recalled his experience celebrating Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border, where he encountered the abandoned shoes left behind by migrants who faced hardship.

Addressing the U.S. bishops’ conference stance, the leadership has called abortion the “preeminent priority” for American Catholics according to their voter guides. Harris, the Democratic candidate, has been a staunch defender of abortion rights.

In addition to discussing the elections, Pope Francis refuted claims made by French media about his potential attendance at the December inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. He confirmed he will not be attending but expressed his wish to visit the Canary Islands to raise awareness of migrant issues.

He also addressed speculation about a possible return to Argentina, stating that while he has the desire to go back, no plans are currently in place. He noted that several matters must be resolved before any such visit. Since his papacy began in 2013, he has not returned to his homeland.

In a reflection on the Catholic Church’s relationship with China, he called it “a promise and a hope,” expressing hopes for a future visit.

Finally, he denounced recent incidents of sexual abuse within the Church as “demonic,” and he commented on the ongoing revelations involving the well-known French priest, Abbe Pierre.

Source: Associated Press