Pope Francis Critiques U.S. Candidates, Advises Catholic Voters

Pope Francis has recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming U.S. presidential election, offering guidance to American Catholic voters while addressing various global issues. The pontiff's comments came during a press conference aboard the papal plane as he returned from a four-nation tour of Asia on September 13, 2024.

The leader of the Catholic Church expressed concern over the policies of both U.S. presidential candidates regarding abortion and migration. Without naming the candidates, Francis stated, "Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who (supports) killing babies." He emphasized that these positions contradict the values of life that the Church upholds.

When asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters, Francis advised them to "choose the lesser evil" in the upcoming November 2024 elections. He acknowledged the complexity of the decision, stating, "Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I don't know. Everyone in their conscience should think and do it."

The pontiff, who is the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, reiterated the importance of migration rights, describing it as a Biblically-mandated duty. He stated that failing to welcome strangers is a "grave sin." Regarding abortion, Francis was unequivocal, saying, "To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but it's killing."

"Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who (supports) killing babies. Both are against life."

It's worth noting that Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, has consistently advocated for social justice and emphasized the plight of migrants throughout his 11.5-year papacy. As the first Jesuit pope in history, he has taken a more inclusive stance on various issues compared to his predecessors, while maintaining the Church's traditional positions on matters such as abortion.

During the press conference, Francis also addressed several other topics. He denied reports of plans to attend the December 2024 inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. However, he expressed interest in visiting the Canary Islands to highlight the situation of migrants there.

The pope also spoke about the Catholic Church's relationship with China, describing it as "a promise and a hope." This statement aligns with his efforts to improve interfaith dialogue and promote global understanding.

Francis, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times, has been known for his humble lifestyle and efforts to reform the Vatican's financial systems. His papacy has been marked by a focus on climate change, economic inequality, and a more compassionate approach to controversial issues.

As the U.S. elections approach, Francis's words serve as a reminder of the complex moral considerations facing Catholic voters. His advice to choose the "lesser evil" reflects the challenging nature of aligning political choices with religious beliefs in an increasingly polarized world.