ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Francis recently voiced strong criticism of both U.S. presidential candidates, accusing them of promoting anti-life policies on abortion and migration, and urged American Catholics to select the “lesser evil” in the forthcoming elections.
“Both are against life, whether it’s the one who expels migrants or the one who supports the killing of babies,” Francis stated emphatically.
During an in-flight press conference returning to Rome from Asia, the Argentine Jesuit was asked to offer guidance to American Catholic voters. He acknowledged that he is not an American and would not be casting a vote.
While refraining from naming the Republican and Democratic candidates, Francis made his stance clear on two pivotal issues—abortion and migration—where he believes the Church has significant concerns.
Francis emphasized the importance of migrants, highlighting it as a key focus of his pontificate, calling for societal and spiritual support. While he firmly upholds the Church’s stance against abortion, he has chosen to focus on broader humanitarian issues during his papacy.
He highlighted that the right to migration is enshrined in Scripture, stating that failing to welcome strangers is a “grave sin.”
Regarding abortion, Francis said, “To have an abortion is to kill a human being. Whether people like the term or not, it involves killing. We must see this clearly.”
When asked about voting, he urged individuals to fulfill their civic duty and consider their conscience in choosing who to support. “One should vote and select the lesser evil,” he advised.
This is not the first time Francis has engaged with U.S. electoral matters. In 2016, he made headlines by declaring that anyone who builds a wall to prevent migration “is not Christian.”
Reflecting on his earlier experiences, he remembered celebrating Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and the many pairs of shoes left behind by migrants who faced dire circumstances.
In recent comments, Francis reiterated the Church’s long-standing opposition to abortion, stating that “science indicates that within the first month after conception, all the organs of a human being are already in place,” stressing that it constitutes killing.
However, medical professionals note that major organ development begins only in the first few weeks, with significant stages occurring later in pregnancy.
In other remarks, the Pope addressed various topics:
— He refuted claims that he would attend the inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this December, while expressing a desire to visit the Canary Islands to highlight migrant issues.
— He dampened speculation about a potential return to Argentina, stating he wishes to go but that plans have yet to be solidified.
— He described China as “a promise and a hope” for the Catholic Church, expressing a desire to visit in the future.
— He denounced sexual abuse as “demonic,” in light of recent allegations against a prominent French priest.
