Pope Francis Criticizes Trump’s Immigration Plan and Harris’ Abortion Stance, Urges U.S. Catholics to Choose ‘Lesser Evil’ in 2024 Election

Pope Francis, during a press conference aboard his return flight from Singapore to Rome, expressed criticism of both former U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ stance on abortion.

The pope highlighted both issues as morally problematic. He urged American Catholics to consider their choices in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, stressing the need to choose the “lesser evil.”

Although the pope did not use Trump and Harris’ names, he specifically referred to their policies and genders. AP

Speaking to reporters after a 12-day tour through Southeast Asia and Oceania, Francis did not mention Trump or Harris by name but specifically referenced their policies, focusing on their opposing stances regarding immigration and abortion. The pontiff said not welcoming migrants is a “grave sin” while likening abortion to an “assassination.”

The pope, who generally avoids commenting directly on national elections, advised U.S. Catholics to weigh their choices. “You must choose the lesser evil,” he said. “Who is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? I don’t know. Everyone, in conscience, has to think and do this.”

Pope Francis has previously criticised Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and said Trump was “not Christian” in his views during the 2016 election. AP

This marks a notable intervention in the U.S. political scene, especially given the significant influence of American Catholics, who number approximately 52 million nationwide and are considered crucial swing voters in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Pope Francis reiterated his strong opposition to abortion, emphasising that it is the killing of a human being and stating that there are no justifications for it. “It is an assassination,” he said. “On these things, we must speak clearly. No ‘but’ or ‘however.'”

Not voting is ugly,” the 87-year-old pope said. “It is not good. You must vote.” REUTERS

On immigration, Francis condemned the idea of turning away migrants, citing biblical teachings that stress caring for orphans, widows, and foreigners. “Not giving welcome to migrants is a sin,” he declared. “It is grave.”

The pope’s comments come as Trump has vowed to deport millions of immigrants and crack down on illegal immigration if re-elected while also refusing to rule out building detention camps for undocumented immigrants.

“You must choose the lesser evil,” he said. “Who is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? I don’t know. Everyone, in conscience, (has to) think and do this.” REUTERS

Harris, on the other hand, has promised to support legislation to restore national protections for abortion access following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.

In their first debate earlier this week, Trump and Harris clashed over both immigration and abortion. Current polls suggest a tight race, with Harris holding a slight lead.

The pope’s remarks align with the views of U.S. bishops, who released updated election guidance in November 2023, prioritising the “threat of abortion” as a “preeminent” concern for Catholic voters. Balancing political priorities, particularly in the context of the church’s teachings on life, continues to debate among U.S. Catholics as they prepare for the November election.

Dan Olczak

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