Candidates for the US presidency in the upcoming elections from the Republican and Democratic Parties, Trump and Harris, have faced criticism for their promises from Pope Francis.
Francis spoke out at a press conference with journalists following a tense 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. Responding to a question about the US presidential elections during his return flight to Rome from Singapore, the Pope mentioned the policies of both candidates, stating that the refusal to welcome migrants is a “grave” sin, and likened having an abortion to an “assassination.” The statements by Pope came as the debate between the two candidates took place on Tuesday.
Positions of both candidates
Donald Trump later on Friday made a promise to carry out mass deportation of Haitian immigrants from the city of Springfield in Ohio, despite the fact that most of them are in the United States legally. Trump cited the tension in Springfield as another example of the need for a tough immigration policy. The influx of Haitians, according to him, has boosted the economy but has also strained social services.
“We will do large deportations in Springfield, Ohio,” Trump said at a press conference at his golf resort near Los Angeles. He added at a rally in Las Vegas, later on Friday: “I’m angry about illegal Haitian migrants taking over Springfield, Ohio. You see that mess, don’t you? I’m angry about young American girls being raped and murdered by savage criminal aliens that come into our country very easily.”
The Pope described immigration as a right of every person, referencing passages from the Bible in which orphans, widows, and foreigners are identified as three types of people that society should care for.
Not giving welcome to migrants is a sin. It is grave.
On the other hand, he harshly criticised the US Vice President and Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris for her promise to sign any bill passed by Congress to restore national protections for access to abortion, which had been overturned by the Supreme Court in its 2022 Dobbs decision. Francis, for his part, said abortion “is killing a human being.” According to him, there could be no excuses for an abortion.
It is an assassination. On these things we must speak clearly. No “but” or “however.”
The balance of political priorities has become a topic of discussion among US bishops, who have been issuing similar election recommendations in each presidential cycle since 2007, making some adjustments. The latest version, released in November 2023, states that the threat of abortion is the primary priority for Catholics.
Catholics must vote
American Catholics, numbering around 52 million nationwide, are often viewed as decisive voters. In some key states, including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, over 20 percent of adults are Catholics. Despite heavy criticism, he urged Catholics to vote.
“Not voting is ugly. It is not good. You must vote. You must choose the lesser evil. Who is the lesser evil? That lady, or that gentleman? I don’t know. Everyone, in conscience, (has to) think and do this,” he said, adding that “whether it is the one who is chasing away migrants, or the one who that kills children. Both are against life.”
