Pope Francis Urges Catholic Voters to Choose the Lesser Evil in U.S. Election

Pope Francis Encourages Catholic Voters to Choose the Lesser Evil in Upcoming Election

In a recent discussion regarding the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of Catholic voters making a conscientious choice, urging them to select the “lesser of two evils.” He articulated that both candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, present significant moral challenges, particularly highlighting Harris’s support for abortion rights and Trump’s stringent immigration policies.

“Sending migrants away, not allowing them to grow, and denying them the opportunity to live is inherently wrong; it is an act of cruelty,” Pope Francis stated during a press conference aboard the plane returning to Rome after his extensive journey through Southeast Asia and Oceania. He further expressed, “To terminate a pregnancy is to commit murder because it involves taking a life. We must address these issues with clarity and conviction.”

These remarks were made at the conclusion of an intense 11-day visit to the Asia-Pacific region, which included stops in cities such as Jakarta, East Timor, and Singapore. This trip underscored his dedication to reaching out to the faithful in what he refers to as “the peripheries” and to promote a more inclusive, less Eurocentric vision of the Catholic Church that pays attention to the voices and experiences of Asia.

Pope Francis’s perspective on the American electoral landscape reflects the ongoing divide among Catholic voters in the United States. Historically, this demographic has exhibited a split between the two major political parties, much like the broader electorate. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also advises Catholics to consider a range of church teachings when voting, refraining from endorsing specific candidates, although some bishops do offer more explicit guidance.

In his remarks, Pope Francis described the rejection of migrants as a “grave sin” and labeled abortion as “murder,” asserting that both actions are fundamentally against the sanctity of life. However, when pressed about the moral implications of voting for a candidate who supports abortion rights, he replied, “It is essential to vote. One must determine which option constitutes the lesser evil. The question is, which is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? The answer is not clear. Each individual must reflect and decide in accordance with their own conscience.”