ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — During an airborne news conference on his return to Rome from Asia, Pope Francis expressed concerns about both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called anti-life stances on abortion and migration. Though he didn’t mention Donald Trump and Kamala Harris by name, the pope’s words clearly referenced their positions on two key issues that are also central to the Catholic Church.
The pope emphasized the importance of choosing the “lesser evil” in the upcoming U.S. elections. “Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who kills babies,” said Francis, who reiterated his stance against abortion, labeling it as murder, while condemning the failure to welcome migrants as a grave sin.
Pope Francis on Abortion and Migration
The Argentine Jesuit has consistently upheld the Catholic Church’s teaching against abortion, calling it the taking of human life. In his comments, Francis noted that science demonstrates the presence of human organs just a month after conception, stressing that abortion amounts to “killing a human being.”
On migration, Francis has long championed the plight of migrants and emphasized that rejecting migrants violates Biblical teachings. He expressed dismay over policies that expel them and described his own experience of celebrating Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border, where he witnessed the devastating consequences faced by migrants.
Voting Guidance for Catholics
When asked what advice he would offer American Catholics in light of the election, Francis stated that voting is a civic duty, but individuals should reflect on their conscience and select the “lesser evil.” He declined to endorse either candidate, instead urging voters to make thoughtful decisions rooted in moral reflection.
This isn’t the first time Francis has weighed in on U.S. elections. In 2016, he publicly criticized Trump’s proposal to build a wall at the southern border, declaring that anyone who seeks to erect barriers against migrants “is not Christian.”
Church’s Stance on Abortion and Communion
The issue of abortion rights has also created tension between Catholic leaders and U.S. politicians. President Joe Biden, another prominent Catholic, has been under scrutiny for his pro-abortion rights stance, with some bishops calling for him to be denied Communion. However, after meeting with Francis in 2021, Biden said the pope affirmed that he should continue receiving Communion.
Francis has previously discouraged church leaders from politicizing Communion, stating that bishops should act as pastors rather than politicians.