Pope Francis condemns both U.S. presidential candidates' policies
On Friday, September 13, during a conversation with journalists, Pope Francis discussed the candidates for President of the USA. He stated that both Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party candidate, and Donald Trump, the Republican Party candidate, have views that can be considered "anti-life."
At the end of his visit to Asia, Pope Francis was asked about the dilemma faced by Catholic voters in the US. On one hand, they can choose a candidate who supports the right to abortion or a candidate who advocates for the deportation of immigrants.
Although the question did not directly mention the names Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the context clearly referred to their political positions. The Pope did not directly refer to specific individuals, but the question touched on moral issues that Catholic voters may struggle with when trying to reconcile their beliefs with political decisions.
Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies - noted Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, referring to the issue of abortion, emphasized that according to science, already a month after fertilization, "all the organs of a human being are already there." He pointed out that terminating a pregnancy at this point means "killing a human being."
As he stated, regardless of whether someone likes this term or not, "it is killing." Therefore, the Catholic Church categorically opposes abortion, considering it a morally unacceptable act.
Pope Francis on the candidates for President of the USA
The Pope also addressed the issue of deporting immigrants, describing it as a "sin against the life of those people." He reminded that according to Old Testament teachings, believers have to care for orphans, widows, and foreigners, including migrants.
He added that migration is a fundamental human right, stemming from the need to seek a better life and safety. The Pope emphasized that protecting migrants is a moral obligation and a deeply rooted biblical tradition of caring for those most in need.
— Expelling migrants, not letting them develop, not letting them have a life is an ugly thing. Forcing a child from the mother's womb is an assassination because there is life there — said the Pope.
Pope Francis pointed out that from the perspective of political morality, avoiding voting is inappropriate. "One should vote, and choose the lesser evil" – he noted, without indicating who that might be.
