Pope urges Catholics to choose the ‘lesser evil’

At a press conference, Pope Francis urged Catholics to choose the “lesser evil” in the U.S. presidential election. He did not name names, but mentioned them, referring to the candidates’ statements on abortion and migrants.

“Deporting migrants, denying them the right to life, is a disgusting and evil act. Taking a baby out of the womb is murder because there is life there. They are both against life. Whether it’s someone who expels immigrants or someone who kills children,” the Pope said.

Trump has repeatedly said on the campaign trail that he is against illegal immigration and deporting millions of immigrants since becoming president.

Harris has pledged to protect women who have abortions.

The pope called the two candidates’ statements “anti-life” but urged Catholics to be sure to vote in the November election.

“Refusing to vote is unacceptable. It is up to you to vote and choose the least evil. I don’t know which one is the least evil.”

The number of Catholics eligible to vote in the U.S. reaches 52 million.