Washington: On Friday, Pope Francis sharply criticized both US presidential candidates for their positions on abortion and migration, describing their policies as “anti-life.” During an airborne news conference on his return from a four-nation tour of Asia, Francis advised American Catholics to vote for the candidate they believe is the “lesser evil” in the upcoming US elections.

“Both are against life,” Francis stated. “One excludes migrants, and the other supports abortion.” Although he did not name the candidates—Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Kamala Harris—his remarks were a clear critique of their stances on these controversial issues. Francis, who is not a US citizen and thus will not be voting, emphasized his position on migration and abortion, which are significant concerns for the Catholic Church. He has consistently highlighted the plight of migrants as a priority of his papacy, advocating for their rights as outlined in Scripture. He stated, “Migration is a right described in Scripture, and failing to welcome the stranger is a grave sin.”

Regarding abortion, Francis was direct, declaring, “To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but it’s killing.” He urged voters to understand the gravity of the issue and to make their choice accordingly. When asked about voting, Francis reinforced the importance of fulfilling civic duties but left the decision to individual consciences. “One should vote, and choose the lesser evil,” he advised. “Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I don’t know.”

The Trump and Harris campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment. President Joe Biden, who shares Harris’ strong support for abortion rights, has faced calls from some Catholic bishops to be denied Communion. After meeting Pope Francis in October 2021, Biden reported that the pope had affirmed his status as a “good Catholic” and supported his continued reception of Communion.

Francis has previously commented on US elections, notably condemning Trump’s plan to build a wall at the US-Mexico border in 2016, stating that such actions were “not Christian.” On Friday, he recalled his visit to the border, highlighting the suffering of migrants. The US bishops' conference has labeled abortion as the “preeminent priority” for American Catholics, while Harris has advocated for strong protections for abortion rights and the reinstatement of a federal right to abortion.

In his remarks, Francis also underscored the Church's stance on abortion, emphasizing that it is rooted in the belief that abortion constitutes murder. He noted that while early pregnancy involves the development of organs, by 13 weeks, all major organs have formed, aligning with the Church’s position against abortion.

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