Pope Francis political comments/ Pope on U.S. election/ Francis discusses abortion and migration/ Pope’s advice to U.S. Catholics/ Newslooks/ Pope Francis criticized both U.S. presidential candidates for promoting “anti-life” policies related to abortion and migration. He urged American Catholics to vote but choose the “lesser evil” in the upcoming election. Although the Pope did not name the candidates directly, he condemned both the support for abortion and the rejection of migrants.
Pope Francis Condemns ‘Anti-Life’ Policies in US Election: Quick Looks
- Pope Francis criticizes U.S. candidates for positions on abortion and migration.
- Urges Catholics to vote for the “lesser evil” without endorsing a candidate.
- Migration is a Biblical right, and rejecting migrants is a “grave sin,” Francis states.
- Abortion described as killing, urging voters to consider it seriously.
- Francis stresses the importance of conscience in decision-making at the polls.
Pope Francis Criticizes US Presidential Candidates on Abortion, Migration
Deep Look
Pope Francis, during an airborne press conference on his return to Rome from a tour through Asia, condemned the positions of both U.S. presidential candidates, accusing them of supporting “anti-life” policies. Without naming the candidates directly, Francis expressed sharp disapproval of their stances on two issues central to the U.S. election and the Catholic Church: abortion and migration.
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane, the Pope criticized the policies of the Republican and Democratic candidates, widely understood to be Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He referred to their positions on migration and abortion, stating that both candidates, in their own ways, promote actions that are “against life.” Francis has long been a vocal advocate for the rights of migrants and refugees, frequently denouncing policies that seek to exclude or mistreat them. His comments, though pointed, did not directly endorse any candidate or political ideology but rather focused on core moral principles.
On the issue of abortion, Pope Francis was particularly blunt, describing it as the act of “killing a human being.” “To have an abortion is to kill a human being,” he emphasized, adding that whether people like the terminology or not, it is the reality. He called for clarity in recognizing the seriousness of abortion, which remains a highly charged issue in both the U.S. election and broader political discourse.
Addressing migration, Francis made it clear that rejecting migrants contradicts Biblical teachings. Citing Scripture, he asserted that welcoming the stranger is a moral obligation for Christians, and those who fail to do so commit a “grave sin.” He recounted his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, where he had celebrated Mass and witnessed firsthand the plight of migrants. The Pope had previously denounced Trump’s proposal to build a border wall in 2016, famously declaring that anyone who supports such a barrier “is not Christian.”
While the Pope did not take sides, he advised American Catholics on how to approach the upcoming election. He encouraged voters to reflect on their moral responsibilities and to choose the “lesser evil” among the candidates, although he did not specify which candidate that might be. “Everyone in their conscience should think and do it,” he advised, reiterating the importance of individual moral discernment at the polls.
Francis’ comments have sparked conversation about how Catholics should navigate complex political issues in the face of conflicting moral and ethical concerns. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has long emphasized the “preeminent priority” of abortion in its voter guidance, aligning with conservative views. However, Francis’ papacy has brought renewed attention to social justice issues, particularly migration, poverty, and the environment.
In addition to his comments on the U.S. election, the Pope addressed several other global matters during the press conference. He denied rumors that he would attend the December reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, confirming he would not be present. However, he expressed interest in visiting the Canary Islands to highlight the struggles of migrants crossing into Europe. Regarding a potential visit to his native Argentina, Francis said he wanted to return but noted that unresolved matters needed to be addressed first.
Francis also touched upon China’s role in the future of the Catholic Church, calling the country “a promise and a hope.” He expressed his desire to visit China one day, signaling the Vatican’s continued interest in strengthening its relationship with the country.
The Pope’s comments on sexual abuse were notably strong. Referring to the recent revelations of abuse by the late French priest Abbe Pierre, Francis called the abuse “demonic” and reiterated the Church’s commitment to addressing the crisis that has plagued the institution for decades.
As the U.S. election approaches, Pope Francis’ remarks add to the moral dialogue surrounding key issues that resonate deeply within the Catholic community. His advice to choose the “lesser evil” underscores the difficulty many Catholics face in navigating political decisions that involve conflicting values on life and social justice.
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