Emmanuel Ochayi
Pope Francis Addresses U.S. Election
Pope Francis on Friday voiced strong opinions on the upcoming U.S. election, highlighting two critical issues: abortion and migration.
Speaking aboard his flight back to Rome, the pope stressed the importance of choosing the “lesser evil” in an election where both candidates’ policies have sparked moral concerns among Catholics.
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During the airborne press conference, Pope Francis did not directly name U.S. presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, but referred to their stances on key issues that align with Catholic concerns.
On migration, the pope was clear: “Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or be it the one who kills babies,” he said.
Francis, who has made advocating for migrants a central part of his pontificate, emphasised the biblical call to welcome the stranger, referring to migration as a fundamental right. “Migration is a right described in Scripture,” he explained, adding that rejecting this right constitutes a “grave sin.”
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The Pope’s View on Abortion
Pope Francis was equally direct about abortion. He reiterated the Church’s firm position that abortion is an act of taking a life. “To have an abortion is to kill a human being,” he stated. “We have to see this clearly. Whether you like the word or not, this is killing.”
When asked about the dilemma facing Catholic voters in the U.S., he advised them to think carefully and make a moral choice. “Everyone in their conscience should think and do it,” he said. “One should vote and choose the lesser evil.”
Navigating a Complex Election
Though Francis did not express support for either candidate, his criticism of policies on both sides resonated with his broader moral teachings. His advice to American Catholics was to consider the value of life in all its forms when making their decision.
He elaborated on the role of voters: “It’s a civic duty to vote. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I don’t know. You should decide for yourselves,” Francis said, reminding the audience that he, as a non-American, would not be voting.
Previous Statements on U.S. Politics
This is not the first time Pope Francis has spoken about U.S. politics. In 2016, he notably criticized Donald Trump’s proposed plan to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, stating that “anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.”
He recalled celebrating Mass at the border, witnessing firsthand the struggles of migrants, and described seeing “so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.”
The Catholic Church’s Focus
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has declared abortion the “preeminent priority” for American Catholics in its voter advice. Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, has been a staunch defender of abortion rights, advocating for the reinstatement of federal abortion protections.
Francis reiterated the Church’s stance on abortion, citing scientific claims about the development of a fetus. “Science says that a month from conception, all the organs of a human being are already there — all of them,” the pope remarked. “Performing an abortion is killing a human being.”
He continued to defend the Church’s position: “You can’t say the Church is closed because it does not allow abortion. The Church does not allow abortion because it’s killing. It is murder.”
Despite Pope Francis’ statements, medical experts, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, highlight that significant organ development occurs after the first trimester, pointing out differences in the understanding of fetal development.
A Call for Reflection
Pope Francis urged Catholics in the U.S. to weigh their decisions carefully, reminding them of their responsibility in this important election.
As the pope flew home from his Asian tour, he left American Catholics with a sobering message: “Everyone in their conscience should think and do it.”
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
