Pope Criticizes Harris and Trump, Urges US Catholics to Choose ‘Lesser Evil’

By Joshua McElwee

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT – On his return flight from Singapore, Pope Francis expressed criticism towards both former U.S. President Donald Trump for his plans to deport millions of immigrants and Vice President Kamala Harris for her support of abortion rights.

During a press conference with journalists, the pope emphasized that failing to welcome migrants is a "grave" sin and compared abortion to "assassination." He urged U.S. Catholics to "choose the lesser evil" when they vote in the upcoming November election, though he did not provide specific guidance.

After completing a demanding 12-day tour through Southeast Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis, the leader of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, noted that not voting is an undesirable choice. "You must vote," he insisted.

He challenged voters to ponder who among the candidates represents the "lesser evil," affirming that everyone must make that decision based on their conscience.

American Catholics, estimated to be around 52 million, play a significant role as swing voters, particularly in key states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where more than 20% of adults identify as Catholic.

While traditionally cautious about commenting on national elections, Pope Francis has been outspoken regarding issues of abortion, which Catholic doctrine opposes, and has previously critiqued Trump’s anti-immigration stance. In the 2016 election, he labeled Trump’s views as "not Christian."

Both candidates’ policies were described by the pope as "against life." He conveyed that whether it pertains to promoting the deportation of migrants or terminating pregnancies, both actions contradict the sanctity of life.

Trump has vowed to intensify efforts against illegal immigration and deport millions if re-elected, while Harris has committed to supporting legislation aimed at restoring national abortion protections, following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that removed such rights.

In their recent debate, the two candidates clashed over these issues amidst a competitive race, with Harris currently holding a slight lead in various polls.

Referencing biblical teachings, Pope Francis called for the moral obligation to care for orphans, widows, and foreigners, stating that denying migrants a welcome is a serious sin. He firmly asserted that abortion is the act of killing a human being, categorizing it as an "assassination" and stating that there are no valid excuses for it. "On these matters, we must speak clearly," he declared.

The political landscape has prompted discussions among U.S. bishops, who have offered election guidance since the 2007-08 cycle. Their most recent guidance, updated in November 2023, emphasizes the "threat of abortion" as a "preeminent priority" for Catholics.