During a press conference aboard his papal airplane following a 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis addressed Catholic voters on Friday, urging them to consider the difficult decision between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. He advised voters to “choose the lesser evil,” recognizing the moral challenges both candidates pose in the eyes of the Church.
The Pope strongly criticized Vice President Harris’ support for abortion rights, referring to it as “an assassination,” underscoring the Church’s long-standing opposition to abortion. At the same time, he also condemned Trump for his stance on immigration, stating, “not welcoming migrants is a sin,” reflecting the Vatican’s emphasis on compassion and aid for the displaced.
When asked which candidate Catholic voters should support, Francis remained neutral but offered a thought-provoking response: “Who is the lesser evil? That lady, or that gentleman? I don’t know. Everyone, in conscience, [has to] think and do this.” His comments emphasize the personal responsibility of each voter to reflect on their moral values and make a choice they believe aligns with their faith.
But he also said, “Not voting is ugly. It is not good. You must vote.”
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Kamala Harris has pledged that, if elected, she would work to codify Roe v. Wade into law, solidifying the right to abortion nationwide. On the other hand, former President Donald Trump has vowed to carry out the “largest mass deportation in American history,” targeting undocumented immigrants across the country.
During his remarks, Pope Francis did not express a personal preference for either candidate, refraining from endorsing one over the other. However, he did make clear his views on key issues. Addressing abortion, the pope firmly stated, “It is an assassination. On these things, we must speak clearly. No ‘but’ or ‘however.'” His words underscored the Vatican’s unwavering stance against abortion, calling it a fundamental violation of life.
Turning to Trump’s proposed deportation policies, Francis was equally critical, stating, “Not giving welcome to migrants is a sin. It is grave.” His comments reflect the Church’s deep concern for the plight of migrants and refugees, a consistent theme in his papacy.
The pope’s broader message emphasized the moral complexity of the upcoming election: “Whether it is the one who is chasing away migrants or the one who kills children, both are against life.” This statement highlights the difficult ethical choices voters face, with both candidates standing for policies that, in his view, contradict fundamental principles of the sanctity of life.
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In 2016, tensions flared between Donald Trump and Pope Francis after the pontiff criticized Trump’s proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, calling it “not Christian.” Trump responded sharply during a news conference, stating, “I’m a very good Christian,” and expressed surprise that the pope would question his faith. He further labeled the pope’s remarks as “disgraceful,” accusing the pontiff of being manipulated by the Mexican government, suggesting that Francis was being used as a political “pawn.”
This wasn’t the only time Pope Francis has weighed in on U.S. politics. He has also criticized President Joe Biden, particularly on the issue of abortion. Despite being a devout Catholic, Biden supports a woman’s right to choose, a position that puts him at odds with Church teachings. In a 2022 interview, Pope Francis called this stance an “incoherence,” highlighting the contradiction between Biden’s Catholic faith and his political stance on abortion. However, the pope also noted that he would leave the matter to Biden’s “conscience,” suggesting that individual moral judgment plays a role.
The political influence of the Catholic Church in the U.S. is significant, with more than 50 million Catholics, many of whom are key voters in swing states such as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. This dynamic between religious leadership and political figures continues to be a major factor in shaping public discourse and electoral outcomes.
