Kyler Alvord
Updated on: October 11, 2024 6:08 pm GMT
Pope Francis has weighed in on the upcoming U.S. presidential election, telling American Catholics they must choose between what he termed the “lesser of two evils” when considering their votes. His comments during a press conference aboard a flight from Singapore to Jakarta are seen as a pointed criticism of both Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump, whom he accused of advocating policies that he believes are against the sanctity of life.
Pope’s Critique of Candidates
The Pope’s remarks underscore his concerns over the platforms of both candidates. He stated, “Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who supports killing babies,” emphasizing a belief that their policies diverge from Catholic teaching on critical issues. This candid assessment aligns with his ongoing commitment to uphold Catholic doctrine, particularly in matters related to immigration and abortion.
In this recent statement, Francis urged voters to act according to their conscience. He emphasized the moral imperative of voting, declaring, “You have to vote, and you have to choose the lesser evil.” However, he noted the difficulty in identifying which candidate represents the lesser evil, saying, “Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I don’t know.”
Immigration and Abortion as Central Issues
The Pope articulated a strong position on both immigration and abortion, linking them as fundamental aspects of what he considers “life issues.” He argued that denying migrants their rights exemplifies a severe moral failing, affirming that scriptural teachings support welcoming strangers. “To send migrants away … it’s something terrible, there is evil there,” he stated, reflecting his ongoing advocacy for immigrant rights.
Regarding abortion, Francis reiterated the church’s firm stance against the practice, labeling it as the “killing” of a human being. He urged Catholics to confront the reality of abortion directly, saying, “To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but it’s killing.”
He emphasized that this issue cannot be separated from the broader context of human rights and dignity, which inherently includes a strong recognition of both migrant rights and the sanctity of life from conception.
Historical Context of Political Engagement
While it is customary for popes to refrain from directly influencing political matters, Pope Francis has demonstrated a more engaged approach. His past comments regarding U.S. political policy include critiques of Trump’s focus on building a wall to restrict migrant access, which he described as “not Christian” during the 2016 election cycle.
This marked shift in papal involvement in U.S. politics underscores Francis’s effort to address contemporary moral challenges facing society. His approach reflects a desire for a holistic view of life issues that incorporates not only the sanctity of unborn life but also the dignity and rights of migrants.
Response from the Catholic Community
Pew Research indicates that opinions among American Catholics are diverse; 52% identify as or lean Republican, while 44% identify with or lean Democratic. The 2020 election saw nearly equal division in Catholic voter support, with 50% backing Joe Biden and 49% supporting Trump. However, a significant majority, 61%, believe that abortion should be permissible in most or all cases, illustrating a complex landscape of beliefs within the Catholic electorate.
The U.S. bishops conference has recognized abortion as the predominant issue for American Catholics, urging a focus on “non-negotiable” concerns in approaching the ballot box. This poses a challenge for voters who may feel torn between the teachings of their faith and the political realities facing them.
Conclusion on the Pope’s Message
Pope Francis recently shared some thoughts while flying back from Asia that are important for American voters. He encouraged Catholics to think carefully about their choices and to pick the candidate they believe is the lesser of two evils. His comments remind us that issues like migration and abortion will be big topics in the upcoming election. It will be interesting to see how voters respond to his message as the campaign goes on.
