September 14th 2024.
In a rare move, Pope Francis has given advice to American Catholics on how to vote in the upcoming presidential election. He did not mention any specific candidates, but he did speak about the importance of considering the impact of a candidate's actions on society. He emphasized the gravity of turning away refugees, calling it a "grave" sin, and also mentioned the issue of abortion, comparing it to "assassination."
The Pope stressed the importance of voting, stating that it is "ugly" and "not good" to refrain from participating in the democratic process. He acknowledged that choosing between candidates can be difficult, especially when both have flaws, but urged people to use their conscience and make the decision that they believe is the "lesser evil."
It was made clear that the Pope, as a religious leader, does not have a vote in American politics. However, he still feels a duty to guide and advise Catholic voters in the country. He also did not mention the candidates by name, showing that his message was not directed towards any specific individual, but rather towards the broader concept of voting with a moral compass.
The Catholic Church has always been vocal about its stance on abortion, and Pope Francis is no exception. He firmly believes that abortion is equivalent to taking a life, and therefore, a grave sin. However, he has also been pushing for more progressive and inclusive views within the Church, such as addressing issues like atheism and immigration.
The Pope has been critical of President Trump's immigration policies for some time, even going so far as to say that his anti-immigrant language makes him "not Christian." He believes that denying migrants the opportunity to have a better life is a cruel and "ugly" thing to do. This is a stark contrast to President Trump's promise to further restrict immigration if he is re-elected.
One of the key issues in this election is the future of abortion rights, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court in 2022. Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris has promised to protect access to abortion nationwide, and this is something that the Pope believes is crucial.
This is not the first time that Pope Francis has revealed his political stance. In 2023, he was questioned about the possibility of blessing LGBTQ+ individuals without changing the Church's teachings on marriage. While he reiterated the Church's belief in traditional marriage, he also emphasized the need for "pastoral clarity" and the importance of showing kindness and understanding towards others.
In conclusion, the Pope's comments on the American election may have been rare, but they were not without precedent. He believes that it is important for Catholics to consider the impact of a candidate's actions on society and to vote with their conscience. While he did not mention any specific candidates, it is clear that his message was directed towards choosing the "lesser evil." Ultimately, the Pope hopes that his words will inspire people to vote with compassion and understanding, rather than exclusion and judgement.
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