ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — On Friday, Pope Francis expressed criticism of both U.S. presidential candidates, condemning their stances on abortion and migration. He urged American Catholics to choose who they consider the “lesser evil” in the upcoming U.S. elections.
“Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies,” Francis said.
The pontiff was responding to a question about guidance for Catholic voters during a press conference on his flight back to Rome after a four-nation tour of Asia. While he clarified that he is not American and therefore would not be voting, he still offered strong opinions on key issues central to the U.S. election and the Catholic Church.
Although neither Republican candidate Donald Trump nor Democratic candidate Kamala Harris was mentioned by name, Francis expressed his concerns regarding their positions on abortion and migration, two issues he has consistently addressed during his papacy.
Migration, a major focus of Francis’ pontificate, was highlighted in his remarks. He has frequently spoken out about the need to welcome migrants and uphold their dignity. In contrast to the strong anti-abortion stance upheld by the Catholic Church, Francis has placed less emphasis on doctrinal teaching than some of his predecessors.
“Migration is a right described in Scripture, and not following the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is a grave sin,” Francis stated.
Regarding abortion, the pope did not mince words. “To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but it’s killing,” he said. “We have to see this clearly.”
When asked what voters should do, Francis reminded Catholics of their civic responsibility to vote and advised them to choose “the lesser evil,” adding, “Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I don’t know. Everyone in their conscience should think and do it.”
The campaigns of Harris and Trump did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
U.S. President Joe Biden, who shares Harris’ support for abortion rights, has also faced criticism from some Catholic bishops who believe he should be denied Communion. After meeting with Francis in October 2021, Biden said the pope told him he was a “good Catholic” and should continue receiving Communion.
In previous remarks, Francis has urged bishops to be pastors, not politicians, when discussing whether Biden should be denied Communion over his stance on abortion.
This is not the first time Francis has weighed in on a U.S. election. In 2016, when asked about Trump’s proposal to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, Francis responded that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants “is not Christian.”
During Friday’s press conference, Francis recalled celebrating Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and seeing “so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.”
Trump’s current campaign promises include massive deportations, a position that mirrors his first White House bid, though he faced legal, financial, and political challenges in implementing such policies.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called abortion the “preeminent priority” for American Catholics, a position Harris strongly opposes. She has emphasized her support for reinstating a federal right to abortion.
On the topic of abortion, Pope Francis added: “Science says that a month from conception, all the organs of a human being are already there, all of them. Performing an abortion is killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, this is killing.”
However, while the pope’s comments reflect his strong anti-abortion stance, scientific understanding differs. The development of major organs in the first month of pregnancy is only beginning. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, major organs do not fully form until around 13 weeks into pregnancy.
