In a press conference during his flight back to Rome from Singapore, Pope Francis drew attention to the US presidential election and expressed his criticism towards the immigration policies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris' support for abortion rights. While not explicitly mentioning their names, the Pope directly referred to their policies and genders.

The Pope strongly emphasized the importance of welcoming migrants, stating that failing to do so was a "grave sin." He pointed out that the Bible calls for the care of orphans, widows, and foreigners, considering immigration as a right. With more than 20% of adults in battleground states such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin being Catholic, American Catholics are seen as crucial swing voters in the upcoming election.

Highlighting the issue of abortion, which is forbidden by Catholic teaching, Pope Francis equated it to "assassination," stating that it is the act of killing a human being. His remarks on abortion were delivered without any room for excuses or exceptions.

While critical of both candidates, Pope Francis stressed the importance of Catholics participating in the electoral process. He asserted that not voting was "ugly" and urged individuals to make a choice in accordance with their conscience, even if it meant selecting the "lesser evil."

It is worth noting that Pope Francis typically refrains from involving himself in national political elections. However, he has previously criticized Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, stating in the 2016 election that the then-candidate was "not Christian" in his views. The Pope's recent remarks indicate his concerns regarding the policies of both candidates, which he believes go against the value of life.

The American Catholic population, with approximately 52 million adherents nationwide, holds significant sway as swing voters. Despite the Pope's critique of their policies, he implores Catholics to exercise their right to vote, underlining the importance of active participation in the democratic process.

As the spiritual leader of around 1.4 billion Catholics globally, Pope Francis remains steadfast in his stance on immigration and abortion. While careful in his approach to national political elections, he speaks candidly about issues that are central to Catholic teaching. The Pope's strong condemnation of policies that disregard the value of life underscores his unwavering commitment to championing justice and compassion for marginalized communities.

With the US presidential elections drawing near, the Pope's remarks add to the ongoing national dialogue surrounding immigration and abortion rights. As American Catholics contemplate their choice at the polls, they must consider the Pope's call for action and reflection to discern the path that aligns with their values and the teachings of the Catholic Church.