Pope Francis Criticizes Trump, Harris as Asia Tour Concludes

AFP/APP

Rome: Pope Francis criticized both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as being “against life” during his return to Rome from a 12-day Asia-Pacific tour. The 87-year-old pontiff made the comments while addressing journalists onboard the papal plane following his trip, which was the longest in duration and distance of his papacy.

The Pope condemned Trump’s anti-immigrant policies and Harris’s support for abortion rights. “Both are against life. The one who discards migrants and the one who kills children. Both are against life,” he said, referring to Trump’s promise to deport illegal immigrants and Harris’s pledge to restore abortion rights.

Francis urged voters to choose the lesser of two evils in the upcoming U.S. elections, stating, “Everyone has to think and make this decision according to their conscience.”

In Washington, Karine Jean-Pierre, spokeswoman for President Joe Biden, responded that the Pope’s comments were his own and did not provide further comment.

Tour Highlights and Reflections

During the flight back to Rome, Francis also addressed various issues, including rejecting speculation about traveling to Paris for Notre-Dame Cathedral’s reopening and expressing frustration over stalled peace negotiations in Gaza.

Despite health concerns, the Pope appeared energized by the trip, which included visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.

In Singapore, he encouraged young people to embrace risks and not be enslaved by technology. In Indonesia, he delivered a joint message against conflict and climate change, while in Papua New Guinea, he addressed violence and exploitation of natural resources.

The Pope’s final remarks focused on the dignity of migrant workers in Singapore, underscoring their contribution to society and the need for fair wages.

Francis will soon embark on a four-day trip to Luxembourg and Belgium starting September 26.