Special Poll
Pope Francis has spoken out on key issues surrounding the U.S. election, offering his perspective on abortion and migration, two topics that are of deep concern to the Catholic Church. While he didn’t mention Donald Trump or Kamala Harris by name, his remarks strongly addressed their positions on these issues.
Francis, who has prioritized the protection of migrants throughout his papacy, reiterated the importance of welcoming those in need. He emphasized that migration is a right rooted in Scripture and that turning away migrants is a “grave sin.”
On the topic of abortion, the pope did not hold back, stating, “To have an abortion is to kill a human being.” He acknowledged that some people may not like the term, but stressed the need for clarity on this issue. The Catholic Church’s firm stance against abortion remains unchanged under his leadership, although Francis tends to focus more on mercy and compassion than his predecessors did.
When asked what voters should consider when casting their ballots, Francis encouraged people to vote for the “lesser evil,” without explicitly endorsing any candidate. He urged voters to reflect on their consciences when making their decision, though he did not specify whether the “lesser evil” referred to either Harris or Trump.
President Joe Biden, a practicing Catholic who supports abortion rights, has been a point of contention within the Church. Some conservative Catholic bishops have suggested he should be denied Communion. However, after meeting with Pope Francis in 2021, Biden shared that the pope had told him he was a “good Catholic” and should continue receiving Communion.
Francis has previously addressed U.S. politics, notably during the 2016 election, when he condemned Trump’s plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. At the time, the pope remarked that anyone who seeks to build barriers to keep out migrants is “not Christian.”
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has prioritized abortion as a critical issue for American Catholics. Harris, who has defended the right to abortion, has been vocal about restoring federal protections for it.