Pope Francis recommended American Catholics vote for the candidate they believe to be the “lesser evil” in the next U.S. elections. On Friday, the pope criticized both presidential contenders for what he called anti-life policies on immigration and abortion.
Francis declared, “Those who push migrants out or those who (support) killing babies—both are against life.” “They’re both against life.”
As the Argentine Jesuit was returning to Rome following a four-nation tour of Asia, he was requested to advise American Catholic voters during an aerial news conference. Francis emphasized that he would not be voting because he is not an American.
Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and Kamala Harris, the Democratic contender, were not specifically named.
Nevertheless, Francis stated himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the U.S. election—aabortion and migration—tthat are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.
Throughout his pontificate, Francis has prioritized the situation of migrants and has spoken out against it often and with great emphasis. Francis has not placed as much emphasis on church doctrine as his predecessors have, although vehemently supporting church teaching that forbids abortion.
Francis asserted that welcoming strangers is a biblical mandate and that it is a “grave sin” for anybody to disobey this command. Migration is a right, according to Scripture.
In addition, he spoke bluntly about abortion. “Killing a human being is the result of an abortion. It’s killing, whether you like the word or not,” he remarked. “We must perceive this clearly.”
When asked what the public’s role is when they go to the polls, Francis reminded them to vote.
“One ought to vote and select the less harmful option,” he said. “Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I don’t know.
“Everyone in their conscience should think and do it,” he said.
Pope Francis has made several statements regarding the U.S. election, including his stance on the construction of a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, his support for abortion rights, and his stance on the plight of migrants. He recalled celebrating Mass at the border and the suffering of migrants who ended up there. Trump has pledged massive deportations, similar to his first White House bid, which was influenced by the legal, financial, and political realities of such an undertaking.
The U.S. bishops conference has called abortion the “preeminent priority” for American Catholics, while Harris has defended abortion rights and supported reinstating a federal right to abortion. Francis also emphasized that all organs of a human being are already present in the first month after conception and that he believes that performing an abortion is killing a human being.
He also denied a French media report that he would travel to Paris for the inauguration of Notre Dame Cathedral, confirmed his desire to visit the Canary Islands, and tamed down speculation about his return to Argentina. He also declared China a “promise and a hope” for the Catholic Church and hoped to visit one day.
(AP)
