Pope Francis has made a rare foray into U.S. politics, delivering a strong critique of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Speaking to reporters on his return flight from an Asia-Pacific tour, the Pope condemned both figures for their positions on critical issues, urging American voters to choose “the lesser evil” in the upcoming election.
The Pope first targeted Trump, denouncing his stance on migration. He described the refusal to welcome migrants as a “grave” sin, referencing Trump’s recent controversial remarks about Haitian migrants. Trump’s claims that these migrants are engaging in bizarre and harmful activities in Ohio have faced widespread criticism.
Francis then shifted his criticism to Harris, focusing on her position on abortion, which he labeled as “assassination.” Though he did not name either Trump or Harris directly, his statements were unmistakably aimed at them. “Both are against life,” Francis said, referring to Trump’s policies on migrants and Harris’s support for abortion rights.
The Pope emphasized that he would not be voting in the U.S. election and reminded voters of their civic duty. “One should vote, and choose the lesser evil,” he advised, adding that individuals must make their own decisions based on their conscience.
Francis has previously criticized Trump, notably in 2016, when he condemned Trump’s plan to build a border wall, stating that such actions were inconsistent with Christian values. The Pope has also spoken frequently about the moral imperative to support migrants and uphold the dignity of human life.
Regarding his future plans, Francis dismissed rumors of his attendance at the Notre Dame Cathedral’s restoration inauguration, but expressed a desire to visit the Canary Islands to highlight migrant issues and potentially return to Argentina, though he noted there are various matters to resolve first.
The U.S. bishops’ conference has designated abortion as a “preeminent priority” for American Catholics, a stance supported by Harris. President Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, has met with Pope Francis twice during his presidency, reflecting his alignment with the Pope’s positions on certain moral issues.
