Pope Francis said Friday that American Catholics should choose a presidential candidate who represents what he sees as the “lesser evil,” according to the Associated Press.
“We should vote and choose who is better. Is that better a woman or a man? I don't know,” Pope Francis said on the plane, according to the Associated Press.“
The Pope also said that Vice President Harris and former President Trump are “against life, whether they are those who expel immigrants or those who kill babies,” according to the Associated Press.
Abortion and immigration were prominent topics during Tuesday's presidential debate, with Harris criticizing Trump's abortion policies: If Congress passes a bill to codify Roe v. Wade, she would sign it.
“A pregnant woman who wants to continue her pregnancy is suffering a miscarriage, is being denied treatment in an emergency room because medical workers are afraid they'll go to jail, and is left bleeding in her car in a parking lot. She didn't want that. Her husband didn't want that,” Harris said.
Immigration was also a major topic of the debate, with Trump criticizing the Biden administration's border enforcement. Trump also addressed a false claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, had eaten their pets.
“What have they done to our country by allowing millions of people into our country? And look what's happening to our towns. [in the] Many towns in America don't want to talk. Aurora is not one of them. [or] “Springfield. A lot of towns don't want to talk about it because it's so embarrassing. In Springfield, we eat dogs.”
In response to Pope Francis' remarks, the Republican National Committee (RNC) told The Hill: Early September The release, titled “Trump Campaign Announces 'Catholics for Trump' Coalition,” includes quotes from figures such as former Sen. Rick Santoum (R-PA).
“Like every Catholic who follows the teachings of the Church, they guide every decision I make,” Santorum said in a statement. “There has never been a time when these values and the freedom to live them have been more at stake. With so much at stake, I am fortunate that the decision between the presidential candidates whose track record in public office is most consistent with these teachings will be easier than it has been in modern history.”
“That is why I voted for and supported Donald Trump, and why I encourage my fellow Catholics to do the same.”
Hill has reached out to the Trump and Harris campaigns.
This story was updated at 4:53 p.m.
The Associated Press contributed.
