Pope Criticizes Trump and Harris as ‘Against Life’ at End of Asia Tour

Pope Francis, on Friday, criticized both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, accusing them of being “against life” during his return to Rome following a 12-day Asia-Pacific tour. The 87-year-old pontiff, despite health concerns, connected with believers across regions like Papua New Guinea and Singapore on his longest trip yet in terms of distance and duration.

During a spirited conversation with journalists on his flight back, Francis was asked about the upcoming U.S. elections in November. He pointed out Trump’s anti-immigrant policies and Harris’s pro-abortion stance, stating, “Both are against life. One discards migrants, and the other terminates children. Both oppose life.” Trump, running for president again, has pledged to deport illegal immigrants, while Harris has advocated for restoring abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The pope, however, stopped short of endorsing any candidate, urging individuals to decide for themselves. “You must choose the lesser of two evils. Who is that—her or him? I don’t know. Everyone must follow their conscience,” Francis added.

In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted that the pope’s statements were his own and that President Joe Biden, a Roman Catholic, had no comment on the remarks.

Additionally, Pope Francis revealed during the flight that he would not attend the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris this December and expressed his disappointment over the lack of progress toward peace in Gaza.

Despite ongoing health issues, the pope remained energized throughout the trip, which included 16 speeches and meetings with world leaders. He emphasized themes of respect, unity, and compassion, particularly in his final inter-religious gathering in Singapore, where he urged young people to avoid being “slaves” to technology and to step out of their comfort zones.

During his visit to Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Francis delivered a message of peace, addressing climate change and conflict. In Papua New Guinea, he donned a traditional headdress and called for an end to violence, asking people to renounce “superstition and magic.” He also urged leaders to ensure that the nation’s resources benefit everyone. In East Timor, nearly half the population showed up to a mass celebration on the coast.

In Singapore, the pontiff advocated for the fair treatment of migrant workers, highlighting their significant contributions to society. Church administrator Sandra Ross, who attended a mass led by the pope, expressed her admiration for his dedication, despite his health challenges.

Pope Francis’s schedule remains busy, with plans for a four-day trip to Luxembourg and Belgium starting September 26.