Pope Francis has expressed criticism of both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, describing the upcoming US election as a choice between the "lesser of two evils." In his remarks, he condemned Trump’s stance on immigration and Harris’ support for abortion rights as contrary to the value of life.

Speaking during a press conference on the papal plane, Francis said, “One must choose the lesser of two evils. Who is the lesser of two evils? That lady or that gentleman? I don’t know.” He emphasized the importance of voters carefully considering their choices.

Francis has been notably vocal on political issues, seeking to broaden the Catholic Church’s inclusivity. He has consistently opposed abortion, which he views as the deliberate ending of human life, and has stressed that this issue should be considered alongside other life-related concerns, such as immigration.

He commented, “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. We must speak about these things clearly.”

Previously, Francis has taken progressive stances on various issues, including permitting priests to forgive abortions, supporting blessings for same-sex couples, and addressing climate change. He has also disagreed with some US Catholic bishops who prioritize abortion over migrant welfare.

In 2016, Francis criticized Trump’s proposal to build a border wall, calling it “not Christian.” In 2021, during discussions among US bishops about whether to deny communion to public figures who support abortion rights, Francis advocated for a pastoral approach rather than a political one, stating he has never refused communion to anyone.

Pope Francis has also voiced disapproval of couples choosing pets over having children, echoing sentiments expressed by Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance. Vance, a converted Catholic, has criticized childless individuals and the “leadership class” without children.

Opinions among Catholic voters are divided. 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 nearly evenly split, with 50% supporting Biden and 49% backing Trump. However, a majority of Catholics, 61%, believe abortion should be legal in most or all circumstances.

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