In a powerful message directed at American Catholics, Pope Francis made a bold statement regarding the upcoming U.S. elections. He openly criticized both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for their stances on key issues, particularly abortion and migration. Without naming them, the Pope condemned both candidates’ policies, calling them “against life.” His message: vote, but choose the lesser evil.
A Choice Between Two “Evils”
During a press conference aboard his flight back to Rome after visiting Asia, Pope Francis was asked for guidance on how Catholics should approach the U.S. election. Though he did not directly mention Trump or Harris by name, his words left no room for doubt. The Pope emphasized that both candidates, in his view, represent positions different to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
He said, “Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies.”
Abortion: “Killing a Human Being”
Pope Francis took an uncompromising stance on abortion, a topic that has deeply divided American politics. Without hesitation, he stood by the Church’s long-standing position that abortion is equivalent to taking a life. He stated, “To have an abortion is to kill a human being. Whether you like the word or not, it’s killing.”
His comments are in line with the Church’s belief that life begins at conception, and he stressed that anyone who supports abortion is participating in what he views as a grave moral wrong.
Migration is a Biblical Right, Not Just a Policy
Another important topic which has been raised by Pope Francis is migration. He underscored that nothing can be as political as migration that what is at stake is actually moral law, divine moral law. The Bible urges the people of faith to be hospitable to the stranger and anyone who does not do this is a ‘mortal sin. ‘ Pope Francis has made migration a theme of his papacy, speaking out against those policies that adversely affect migrants or reject them.
In this context, Trump’s stringent immigration policies, including his infamous promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, directly clash with the Pope’s teachings.
Who is the Lesser Evil?
When pressed on how American Catholics should vote, Pope Francis gave his perspective on the civic responsibility of participating in elections. He encouraged voters to follow their conscience and select the candidate they believe is the “lesser evil.”
“One should vote, and choose the lesser evil,” he urged. “Who is the lesser evil, the woman or the man? I don’t know. Everyone in their conscience should think and do it.”
This advice leaves the decision in the hands of voters, with the Pope Francis acknowledging the complexity of choosing between two candidates whose policies clash with core Church values.
A Repeat of 2016: Pope vs. Trump
This isn’t the first time Pope Francis has spoken out against U.S. presidential candidates. In 2016, he famously criticized Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall on the southern border, declaring, “Anyone who builds a wall is not Christian.”
The issue of migration has remained central to Pope Francis’ papacy, and his comments in this election cycle highlight his unwavering stance against policies that harm migrants.
Harris’ Pro-Choice Stance of Abortion Under Fire
On the other side of the political spectrum, Kamala Harris has been rather liberal and has supported women’s right to an abortion. Some of her positions like being very categorical on the issue of women’s right to choose an abortion has exposed her to criticism from the Catholic Church that still considered abortion as an important cause. This has raised eyebrows more particularly from Catholic leaders since Harris has advocated for federal safeguards on abortion which is contrary to the Church’s teachings.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has labeled abortion the “preeminent priority” for American Catholics, further complicating the decision-making process for Catholic voters who may align with Harris on other social justice issues but disagree with her abortion stance.
Pope’s Meeting with Biden
For instance, while Harris has a clear solidary with current US President Joe Biden is a supporter of abortion rights as well. When meeting with Biden in 2021, the President said that Pope Francis told him he was a ‘good Catholic’ and should not be deprived of Communion despite some bishops’ desire to stop giving it to the Joe Biden because of his stance on the right to abortion.
This delicate balance underlines the fact of the Pope’s concern to unite people and not the political parties.
Catholics at a Crossroads
When the American Catholics voters are making their decision, they are presented with the difficult decision. The Pope’s message of voting for the ‘lesser evil’ sums up the moral dilemma which is prevalent in this election. Still both of the candidates are seen as having an attitude and behaviour that is against core Catholic beliefs, it leaves the faithful with the hard choice to make their decision based on conscience and Catholic teachings.
Ultimately, the choice lies in the hands of the voters in terms of which candidate has the rights moral and religious outlooks suited to their choice.
Faith and Politics Collide
These Pope’s frank comments in this crucial election year should serve to remind us of faith and politics. While he may not give a direct answer to the question, he will definitely engage Catholics into reflection about their actions for the future of their own country.
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