Pope Francis: US election is choosing between "lesser of two evils"

Pope Francis described the US presidential race as a choice between the "lesser of two evils.”

In a statement on Friday, the Pope remarked that both US presidential candidates are "against life," criticizing Donald Trump's anti-immigration policies and Kamala Harris's support for abortion rights.

Speaking to reporters during his flight back to Rome after a 12-day Asian tour, the Pope said, "Both are against life. One who refuses to welcome migrants and the other who supports abortion are both opposed to life."

He added, "I am not American and do not vote in US elections, but let it be clear: not welcoming migrants and denying them the chance to work and integrate is a serious sin."

Addressing the contentious issues of abortion and immigration central to the election campaign, Pope Francis highlighted the stark contrasts between the candidates.

Trump pledged to deport illegal migrants and endorsed the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had previously protected abortion rights. In contrast, Harris promised to restore those rights.

The Pope concluded, "We must choose between the lesser evil. Who is the lesser evil? This woman or that man? I don’t know.”

However, he urged Catholics to vote but emphasized the importance of making informed choices, stating, “Each person must reflect and decide based on their conscience."