Pope Francis Advises American Catholics to Choose the ‘Lesser Evil’
Pope Francis criticized both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday, stating that both presidential candidates have policies that undermine life.
In his remarks, Francis recommended that all American Catholics vote for the “lesser evil” in the November election.
“Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who (supports) killing babies. Both are against life,” he said.
During a press conference on a flight back to Rome from his tour of four Asian countries, Francis was asked to advise American Catholic voters. He emphasized that, as he is not American and cannot vote, he would not be participating in the election.
In his remarks, he did not mention the two presidential candidates by name, the Associated Press reports.
Francis has always been outspoken for his support for immigration and protecting life, two issues that are also key issues in November’s election.
“To have an abortion is to kill a human being,” he said. “You may like the word or not, but it’s killing. We have to see this clearly.”
He also added that “science says that in the first month after conception, all the organs of a human being are already there, all of them.”
When it comes to his stance on immigration, Francis said that it is supported in Scripture and that those who refuse to welcome strangers in are committing a “grave sin.”
Francis called voting a civil duty when asked who American Catholics should choose.
“One should vote, and choose the lesser evil,” he said. “Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I don’t know. Everyone in their conscience should think and do it.”
Francis’ comments come as Americans weigh the candidates’ policies in relation to their religious values. Conservatives have praised Trump for his reversal of Roe v. Wade, bringing the topic of abortion back to the individual states.
During Tuesday’s debate, Trump ensured that he would not impose a nationwide abortion ban. He received backlash from conservatives after he hinted that he might vote to overturn Florida’s abortion ban, where women cannot have an abortion after six weeks unless they fall into one of the exceptions.
Trump also highlighted that Harris’ policies support women having abortions up to nine months.
Trump has also pushed for immigration reform after the U.S. has experienced a spike in crimes committed by illegal immigrants, particularly Tren de Aragua, the deadly gang from Venezuela.
After heavily criticizing Trump for his border wall, Harris recently flip-flopped and shared that she supports the wall.
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