Aboard The Papal Plane, Sep 15, 2024 - In a bold statement during his return flight from a four-nation tour through Asia, Pope Francis advised American Catholic voters to choose the "lesser evil" between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The Pope criticized both candidates for their stances on key issues of abortion and migration, labeling them "against life."
Condemnation of Abortion and Migration Policies
Pope Francis condemned the policies of both Trump and Harris, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception and the Biblical imperative to welcome migrants. "Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies," Francis stated. He reiterated that migration is a right described in Scripture and failing to welcome strangers is a "grave sin."
Voters’ Civic Duty
Stressing the importance of participating in elections, the Pope urged Catholics to vote and to decide in their conscience who represents the "lesser evil." He noted that while he is not an American and does not vote, his counsel was rooted in the teachings of the Church.
Non-Partisan Stance
Though he refrained from mentioning Donald Trump and Kamala Harris by name, the Pope's comments were directed at their respective policies. He reiterated the Church's strong opposition to abortion, describing it as "killing a human being." Francis also highlighted the Church’s stance on migration, a priority of his pontificate.
Past Statements and Consistency
Pope Francis's remarks are consistent with his past comments on U.S. politics. In the 2016 election, he criticized Trump's proposal to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, saying that those who build walls "are not Christian."
Reactions and Context
The Pope’s comments come at a time when U.S. President Joe Biden, an observant Catholic, faces criticism from some bishops for his support of abortion rights. Biden has maintained that the Pope encouraged him to continue receiving Communion, despite differing views on abortion.
Other Highlights from the Pope’s News Conference
- Notre Dame Cathedral: Pope Francis denied reports of attending the December inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, stating he would not be there but expressed a desire to visit the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants.
- Visit to Argentina: Speculations about a possible visit to Argentina remain unresolved, with the Pope expressing a desire to visit but noting that no decision has been made.
- China: The Pope referred to China as “a promise and a hope” for the Catholic Church, expressing hopes to visit in the future.
- Sexual Abuse: Francis condemned sexual abuse as "demonic" and commented on recent revelations about the legendary French priest, Abbe Pierre.
Conclusion
Pope Francis’s recent statements provide guidance to American Catholic voters facing a difficult choice in the upcoming presidential election. By urging them to choose the "lesser evil," the Pope reinforces the importance of voting according to one's conscience, grounded in the teachings of the Church on key moral issues.