Pope Francis calls on Catholics to choose “the lesser evil” between Trump and Harris

Pope Francis has called on Catholic voters to “choose the lesser evil” in the upcoming election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a speech from his papal plane after a twelve-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, the Pope expressed his strong opinion on the positions of both candidates.

He criticized Harris' support for abortion rights, calling it “an assassination attempt.” At the same time, he condemned Trump's strict immigration policies, declaring that “it is a sin not to welcome immigrants.”

“You have to choose the lesser evil,” Pope Francis said, adding: “Who is the lesser evil? This lady or this gentleman? I do not know. Everyone, in his conscience, [has to] think and do this.”

Despite his criticism of both candidates, the Pope stressed the importance of voting, saying: “Not voting is ugly. It is not good. You have to vote.”

The Pope did not reveal any personal preferences, but made his position on key issues clear. On abortion, he said: “It is murder. We must be clear on these matters. No 'but' or 'however'.”

Regarding Trump's deportation plans, Francis said: “Not welcoming migrants is a sin. It is grave.”

This is not the first time the Pope has raised concerns about US policy. He clashed with Trump over immigration in 2016 when Trump questioned the Christian values ​​of building a wall along the Mexican border.

Trump then defended his faith and called the Pope’s comments “disgraceful.”

With the 2024 elections in mind, Francis' message is likely to resonate with the more than 50 million Catholics in the United States, including in the crucial swing states.