Pope Francis recently expressed his views on the US political landscape, offering sharp criticism of both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris for their respective stances on immigration and abortion.
His remarks came during a press conference aboard the papal plane, where he described the upcoming US elections as a choice between the “lesser of two evils.”
Addressing Trump's immigration policies, the Pope highlighted his long-standing opposition to actions that separate or neglect migrants. He likened these policies to evil, emphasising the importance of human life in all its forms, including the well-being of migrants.
Francis has consistently advocated for more compassionate and inclusive immigration practices, arguing that it is morally wrong to turn away those in need, particularly children. He referenced his past remarks about the immorality of Trump's proposed border wall, which he had condemned as “not Christian” in 2016.
On the other hand, the Pope also criticised Kamala Harris for her pro-choice stance on abortion, reinforcing his belief that abortion is the “intentional ending of human life.”
Francis has maintained that while the Church opposes abortion, this issue should be viewed alongside other life-related matters such as immigration. He reiterated that “sending away a child from the womb is an assassination,” drawing a parallel between abortion and the treatment of vulnerable migrants.
In his remarks, Pope Francis did not explicitly endorse any political candidate but urged voters to deeply reflect on their choices, framing the upcoming elections as a dilemma where one must select the "lesser of two evils."
His critique reflects a broader effort to encourage voters to weigh a variety of life-related issues, from abortion to immigration, when casting their ballots.
The Pope’s comments also come amid ongoing debates within the Catholic Church, particularly among US bishops. Some conservative factions of the Church prioritise abortion as the foremost moral issue, while Francis has advocated for a more holistic view, one that equally considers the welfare of migrants.
This perspective aligns with Francis’ broader goal of making the Church more inclusive and adaptable to the complexities of modern political and social issues.
In addition to his remarks on immigration and abortion, Pope Francis has voiced progressive views on other issues. He has previously supported blessings for same-sex couples, permitted priests to forgive abortions, and taken a strong stance on the urgent need to address climate change.
These positions reflect his vision of a more open and compassionate Church, one that engages with contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in traditional Catholic teachings on life and dignity.
This latest statement also mirrors the broader divide among Catholic voters in the United States. According to research from Pew, Catholic voters are nearly evenly split between the two major political parties.
In the 2020 election, 50 per cent of Catholic voters supported President Joe Biden, while 49 per cent backed Trump. Despite the Church’s firm stance against abortion, a majority of Catholics, 61 per cent, believe that abortion should be legal in most or all circumstances.
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