Pope Francis has made headlines with his recent comments on US politics, specifically criticizing former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. According to CNN, during a press conference aboard the papal plane, the Pope expressed disapproval of Trump’s immigration policies and Harris’s support for abortion rights, labeling the upcoming US elections as a choice between the “lesser of two evils.”
Pope Francis described Trump’s stance on immigration and Harris’s support for abortion rights as contrary to the sanctity of life. “One must choose the lesser of two evils. Who is the lesser of two evils? That lady or that gentleman? I don’t know,” Francis remarked. He urged voters to deeply reflect on their choices, emphasizing the need for careful consideration.
Broader Efforts for Inclusivity and Sanctity of Life
The Pope’s remarks are part of his broader effort to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and outspoken on political matters. He has consistently upheld the Church’s opposition to abortion, viewing it as an intentional act against human life. Francis has also been vocal about the plight of migrants, condemning policies that he believes are harmful to them. “To send migrants away, to leave them wherever you want, to leave them … it’s something terrible, there is evil there. To send away a child from the womb of the mother is an assassination, because there is life,” he said.
Previously, Pope Francis has adopted progressive stances on several issues. He has supported forgiving abortions in certain cases, blessing same-sex couples, and highlighting the urgency of climate change. His views often contrast with those of some US Catholic bishops, who focus heavily on abortion as a primary concern.
In 2016, Pope Francis criticized Trump’s proposal to build a border wall, calling it “not Christian.” During the 2021 debate among US bishops on whether to deny communion to public figures who support abortion rights, including President Joe Biden, Francis advocated for a “pastoral” approach rather than a political one. He has maintained that he has never refused communion to anyone.
Francis has also expressed criticism of those who prioritize pets over children, a sentiment echoed by Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance. Vance has disparaged childless women and criticized the “leadership class” without children as “more sociopathic.”
The views of Catholic voters in the US are diverse. Pew Research indicates that 52% of registered Catholic voters lean towards the Republican Party, while 44% lean Democrat. In the 2020 election, Catholic voters were almost evenly split, with 50% supporting Biden and 49% backing Trump. Despite this, a majority of Catholics, 61%, believe abortion should be legal in most or all circumstances.