Pope Francis, The American Election 2024, And Lesser of Two Evils 

This s why religion and politics need to be separate. Both end up being corrupted by the other.

I’m Catholic and older, but I’ve discovered the only people who can say whether an abortion is required is the woman and her Medical Doctor. My colleague had to escort his sister to an abortion clinic. The fetus was dead inside her womb. As they walked on to the entrance she was heckled by Christian bystanders. They had no clue hat was going on.

Thanks Rev.Ed..I agree 100%. Strong character means everything.

Supporting someone else’s right to make their own choices is not evil!

I am Catholic and we have been told to vote our conscience. So I voted for Harris.

Even the Good Lord himself gave us free will. You’d think the Pope would know this. You choose the behaviour, you choose the consequences (if there are any) I’m a Catholic with 5 children. Clearly I did not choose abortion, but I am 100% pro choice. It’s between a woman, her doctor and her own personal relationship with God the father, NOT politicians! 💙

Evil is evil and the government and my neighbor’s nose doesn’t belong in my doctors office with me.

I'm a Catholic voting Harris.

I love pope Francis, you are right he’s wrong in this .

I’m so glad you’re out there! I have been “attending” an online church for close to four years. There were points I disagreed on, but overall I was learning which is very important to me. I can no longer watch their services any more after the pastor “reminded” the congregation that there was only one candidate opposing abortion. I can’t and won’t be led by a man who is so concerned over women’s bodily autonomy that he forsakes all of the other blasphemies and evil spouted by Trump to get his way on one single policy. No Christian should be supporting the evil embodied in the orange one. There is NOTHING good about him.

People should vote for the candidate who is going to impact their life in the most positive way. Such as affordable healthcare or affordable prescriptions etc.

Thanks Reverend. I'll remember your words when I vote. And I am a Catholic, voting my conscience.

And I just watched a Bishop from Illinois obviously supporting Trump downplaying the immigrant comment but clearly supporting prolife unequivocally. This sickens me and even further distances me from the Catholic Church. I want to find a church like yours Reverend !!

Right on ! The pope IS wrong in this ……

I am a Catholic and will vote for Kamala Harris. I would have not had an abortion myself but it is a God given right to have free will. We do not need a dictator.

There is a document online called the Catholic Voter Guide issued by the United States Conference of Bishops (USCBB) which lists 47 issues that should be considered when voting for a candidate. In summary, Harris aligns with 39 of the 47 issues, while Trump aligns with 14. Notwithstanding this guide, how could anyone with a heart or an ounce of good conscience even consider voting for someone like Trump?

I dislike which words the media chooses to use as "gotcha" words to get you to click on their sites. Kamala Harris is pro-WOMEN's choice of their medical car with the guidance of their physician.. NO WOMEN IS PRO ABORTION!

My husband Dean passed away this morning. Thanks 👍 for all the prayers.

Even if one takes a "lesser of two evils" approach... Trump is obviously the greater of the evils. Saying that one should choose the lesser of two evils doesn't mean that the choices are equal.

Thank you, Rev. Ed.

Some people have really lost their sense of right and wrong. And we're forgetting the golden rule, do unto others... I always remind my kids to put themselves in their shoes...

I thought of it and you said thank you Brother 💙💪🏼 i voted yesterday 🙏🏼

My Priest told me I must vote for the Pro Life candidate, not the most moral candidate. I voted for Biden and will be voting for Harris. I stopped going to Mass and it makes me sad.

This, exactly this!

I so agree.. I really was so disappointed when he put that out .. shocked actually 9:04

A dozen thumbs up reverend! Great words, thank you, you're the best!😊

Thank you Reverend 🙏

Amen

I'm a fan of Robert DeNiro and I think he summed up Trump best when he said he could never play Trump in a movie because he has no redeemable qualities. This is coming from a man who has played some of the most despicable mobsters in movies and even he can find humanity to some degree in the characters he plays but can't find one in Trump. Trump has consistently proven that he is evil incarnate by his words and actions. He has been found civilly liable for his attacks on E. Jean Kelly, has basically said he would have sex with his own daughter, has stiffed so many people in his business career with some of his victims going so far as to commit the sin of unaliving themselves, tries to benefit off of the bible even though I truly believe he is not religious in any way, he mocks and shames the disabled, war veterans, and people that don't have the same colour skin as him, he consistently lies, he takes credit for others good deeds while at the same time blames them for things he has done that is harmful. The list goes on and on.

One does not necessarily support abortion to be “Pro-Choice”. You just have to be against the government telling us what we can and cannot do regarding personal health decisions.

AMEN 🙏

Thank you!

The people who are voting for Trump need to learn their history. Do we really want a Mussolini ? a Hitler ? a Stalin, ? or any other fascist leaders? I know I don’t!

thank you for your message today!

Thanks, Rev. Ed, for taking your time to come to this conclusion, which I fully agree with. I'm a Brit living in Germany, and I came to the same conclusion by a different route: People (Christians or so-called Christian nationalists) say, to paraphrase, that DT is the right candidate because he moved the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. That is all well and good, but it is no basis for deciding who to support. A president has far many other things to do than moving embassies (which doesn't affect Americans at all). What is needed is the candidate who is the most suitable for running a whole country with all its problems and their ramifications. A vote is therefore always a compromise - you may like a candidate's policy on x but not on y, or vice versa - and there are so many policies to consider. What you need is the best person OVERALL for the job. On a personal note and as an example: I'm generally against abortion, but I think the current status on it in the US is dreadful: states with different laws on the subject, legal risks for medical staff, in some cases a complete ban with no exceptions, suffering for pregnant women etc. Practically anything would be better than that. In my view a new and reasonable law at the national level is needed that corrects all these problems, helps women in need, provides security and perhaps does not generally favour abortion but provides alternatives such as providing support for mothers or families. The positions of DT and KH on this issue are radically different - but it is far from being the only issue. That's my twopenn'orth. I hope you all understand me and closely examine the policies of both candidates as far as possible before deciding who to vote for.

Abortion vs EVERYTHING TRUMP HAS AND WILL DO. No comparison even slightly.

When I was going through the classes to become a Catholic (more than 50 years ago now), my priest told me that issues about things like contraception and abortion are between me and God. He said I needed to decide for myself and not consider what *other* people feel I should do. Between that and the readings he had me doing led me to decide that although I wouldn't want either for myself, it's against what God would want for us if we make others have their free will taken away from them. It really disturbs me that my church is working so hard to take away that free will from others who don't share our beliefs. It makes me wonder how they would feel if things we don't believe would be forced on us. There have been governments who have taken away the right to choose and have forced abortions on women who didn't want them. There are governments who work very hard to take away rights from women even on such mundane matters as driving. (I *hate* to drive. But I would hate it more if I had to ask some man to take *his* time to drive me to the grocery store or doctors appointments. I feel bad enough when I ask my husband to take me, such as what we did when we had only one vehicle which was his big truck that I can't maneuver well enough to safely drive.) I should get the choice to decide for myself about issues of whether I drive myself or marry someone that isn't welcome in my church. I always hope that my choices lead me closer to God, but it should still be *my* choice. That way God knows that when I choose what I think is *his* way, it's because I value *him* rather than because "the rules say I have to do it that way."

I wish someone would ask the Pope if he's okay with little girls being forced to give birth, regardless of the mental, emotional and physical damage that can do. And is he okay with women and girls being forced to carry nonviable pregnancies even when that can lead to them being forced to watch those babies suffer until they die in the hours after birth, unable to have children in the future or, in some cases, their own deaths? I was raised Catholic but I wasn't raised blind to the consequences of the black-and-white way the Pope is looking at this issue. It's misguided at best and dishonest at worst.

Lightbulb - Trump is a Karen!

Thank you! You nailed it, Father.

Why is the Pope not censuring Bishops for attending Trump events? If he thinks both candidates are evil, then the logical conclusion would be that the clergy should keep themselves out of political events.

Agreed

You hit the issue right on the head……. Then office of the president ….. the character is more important than the policies because the person can change policies as situations dictates …..

How is Kamala Harris "evil?"

A leader should work hard for the people. Not for their own sake. But work for the wellbeing for the whole state. From the poorest & most in need upwards, not backwards, to help only rich.

Amen, and thank you for your very important work.

It’s only been within the last 200-ish years that the Catholic Church has held this belief in no abortion at all. Prior to that, the stance was it was allowed up until ~22 weeks. So, the Church shifted in a pretty big way not all that long ago in its history. I am a Catholic. I love Pope Francis, too. But, the Pope seems to be trying to walk a line here. It didn’t come off well. Just because I believe I would not choose an abortion doesn’t mean I think that the government should impose my choice, based on my own religious beliefs about abortion, on everyone.

PRAYER REQUEST. My son:s pastor has told their congregation that if they vote Democrat then they are voting for sinners. He also told them in order not to be a sinner they must vote Republican. I did have a discussion with him telling him that that was not true that it was the person that you vote for that is important. May I ask for prayer requests for my son, Dustin, not to be tricked by this rhetoric. Thank you!! 🙏 🙏🙏

I love Pope Francis too, I didn't want to say anything against him - but sorry I didn't agree with his statement and it made me feel horrified because I have heard priests direct parishioners to vote "our values", even if we need health care! So it was clear they wanted us to support republicans. I couldn't! I struggled for almost 10 years within my Church ever since Obama. They were telling us clearly not to support Obama because he was the one developing this healthcare. Catholics also began to shame Speaker Pelosi and now President Biden because they support choice. I have been a Democratic Party member since before voting age. The threat to Speaker Pelosi and President Biden from US Bishops was to withhold Holy Communion! After 72 years and tears, I left the Catholic Church - I've been a Catholic since 3 months old! I am now a Christian having nothing to do with the Catholic Church! Wasn't easy and I struggled but with them propping-up Donald Trump I had to leave.

well said

The pope is wrong in another way. There is no reason someone who is against abortion needs to be pro-life. That is specifically about making it illegal for everyone. The Catholic Church believes in the separation of Church and State. So they should in fact say that "Abortion is sin, but that is not a valid reason for a secular government to outlaw it." It is an inconsistency in the Catholic position to act like being pro-choice is a sin. Pro choice doesn't mean pro-abortion.

I was born and raised Roman Catholic and went to Catholic School for many years. I also like Pope Francis very much but even wisest and smartest occasionally get things wrong." Heroes have feet of clay", is an old saying that rings true in this case. Slowly by slowly the church is coming around about certain doctrinal issues but it is always many decades behind society (even Catholic society). Eating meat on Fridays is a good example, it took until the 60's to get changed even though it was originally a health related rule due to lack of ice boxes and then refrigerators. The animal being prepared for the Sunday meal no longer being safe to eat by Friday. I learned this in Catholic School and it may or may not be true but that is what we were told. Right now the Catholic Church is opposed to contraception and definitely not pro-choice while many Catholics are divided on these issues. I am pro-contraception and pro-choice but I don't like the idea of abortion. I just don't think I should decide for another person. They may actually have a valid reason for such a decision. Therefore, I think the deciders should be the woman and her doctor with the woman having final say. One day the Church will catch up to the rest of us.

I feel what you're saying is so true. I morally can't vote for trump. Amen

I’m agnostic but l respect you and your position 🤔

Awesome.

I love this pope, but he’s wrong here. I was so disappointed in his statement.

…but Trump doesn’t see things in a righteous way; his character is questionable at best.

Those who see the lesser of two evils, know nothing about how evil directs their view... 👣🕊👽

As several others have said: lifelong Catholic voting Harris-Walz here. His Holiness, much as I love and respect him, dropped a clanger in this instance.

You know I was so disappointed when I heard the Pope make it sound like the two candidates are equivalent. They aren't, and he should have made that clear. One is so much worse than the other and he should have explained why.

His egomania , his hate ...make me throw up.

According to a Methodist Minister and lawyer for the ACLU, John Swomley, the Vatican held the following position: Abortion is a church-state issue because the Vatican insists that governments adopt into law its politics on birth control and abortion. I did not realize how serious this problem would become when I did the research and writing of a chapter on Civil Liberties and Abortion for the 1971 publication of the Methodist Board of Social Concerns, Abortion, A Human Choice. However, after the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, removing abortion from the criminal code, the Catholic bishops challenged the traditional American position that *a person legally exists at birth (which is also the Biblical position)* and insisted upon their theological position that an embryo or fetus from the moment of conceptions must have due process of law and equal protection with all living persons. That basis for this proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution is the decision of Pope Pius XII on October 29, 1951: “Now the child, even the unborn child, is a human being in the same degree and by the same title as its mother . . . so . . . to save the life of the mother is a most noble end, but the direct killing of the [unborn] child as a means to that end is not lawful.” This means that it is better for both mother and fetus to die than it is to save the life of the mother through a direct abortion. In fact, Father Patrick A. Finney specifically said this in his book, Moral Problems in Hospital Practices, which was published under the imprimatur of the Archbishop of St. Louis: “Q. If it is morally certain that a pregnant mother and her unborn child will both die if the pregnancy is allowed to take its course, but at the same time the attending physician is morally certain that he can save the mother’s life by removing the inviable fetus, it is lawful for him to do so? A. No, it is not. Such a removal would be a direct abortion.” So, the life of the mother, to the Vatican, is not as important as a fetus. To me, that's evil. This is a clear demonstration of their male chauvinism. That they pin this label on a woman running for president (when they won't even ordain a woman to be a priest), tells us all where they stand - two centuries back, and siding with the rapist if need be. They'd best worry about the beam in their own eyes.

He defanged Republican bishops who would tell their flocks to vote that way. Context is important. It's a nice change.

Indeed.

I used to like this pope until he started saying stupid things about the LGBTQ community. Frankly, this is why I left the Catholic Church and never looked back.

Concerning “People who need to get their head checked”…. That implies insanity, or craziness. Personally, when I consider the behaviors of the notorious “status quo”, I wind up considering “crazy” to be a compliment.

I think your extrapolation of Pope Francis’ use of “the lesser of two evils” here is a wrong presumption. He immediately concluded, ‘vote your conscience,’ which we Catholics may try to challenge, but are to respect. I heard “Harris!” in his words and am voting Democratic, thank God!

Shouldn’t a clear thinking Christian be able to evaluate the lesser of two evils?

💕💕💕

Amen! The true curse of the whip is that once it has been used it has to be used more and more.

This is so frustrating and frightening! Do not allow this man to return.

I hope I am not out of line here. I am Australian, and recently had reconciliation after 50 years away. so new I have not yet had the opportunity to get to know my Priest or Bishop other than by sight or name. I agree, I love Pope Francis. As for the election.. I am very hopeful for the future as God is still in control John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son...... This statement makes it clear.. People, His creations, are more important than political positions and denominational Dogma. I honestly believe, that after the election a new beginning will come election.

That goes to the heart of it. Can anyone remember who got the crowd to chant "lock her up" and now regards due process as being politically motivated?

Thank you for addressing the pope’s remark. I wished he had never said that.🙁

Oh my gosh! Thank you so much!! I had to listen to this and listen two more times - caused I struggled to understand what this all meant and leaving the Church! You are so right - catholic leaders wanted us voting for policies and it so happens that the one pushing their policy choices was Donald Trump - a person who never goes to Church, or needs to ask for forgiveness, one whose speech and actions are vulgar, one who steals, lies, cheats and is unfaithful in marriage and all manner of relationships - who sells good to the bad, and is treasonous to the oaths taken and the country he takes an oath to support. More than that he lies and manipulates his own supporters, and disparages its hero's and its people. He doesn't seem to care about anything. And for the longest I battled within myself because I didn't want to judge. He just never gives up and goes away. It's been the worst decade of existence listening to this man. The catholics can have him!

I am a Catholic and love Pope Francis as well. But I agree with you, I do not totally agree with his “lesser of two evil” comment. Character is of utmost important to me as we are called to be Christ-like in our words and deeds. 💙💙💙💙

today we cannot agree to disagree with civility.

Is it possible that wealthy Catholic donors won the day? I think one can oppose abortion and still allow it to be legal. The protesters are very dedicated outside of the family planning clinic in my area. The signs they hold say "Pregnant ? We can help." They harass no one. I have never stopped and asked, but I have often wondered what kind of support they are talking about? On face value, my opinion is, what a wonderful way to try to convince someone to complete the pregnancy if all options are open to the pregnant person.

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24, AV1611

Has the pope forgotten ill duce?

Just a reminder that if I became pope I'd choose the name Perry.

I have 2 comments. 1). When you said you disagree with Pope Francis, I honestly expected you to say something awful about him. But instead you said you love him. This surprised me, not because of anything about you. But in America, we’ve reached a point that we can no longer agree to disagree with each other. I’ve gotten used to hearing such hateful rhetoric that I simply expect it now. So thank you for not being hateful. 2) I consider myself to be pro-life in that I don’t think it should be used as a form of abortion. Back when Hillary Clinton and Trump were running against each other, my understanding of third term abortion was based off of the misinformation I had heard about it. A mother would suddenly decide she didn’t want the baby and abort it. During their debate, maybe she assumed everyone understood the reality of it because she didn’t defend her stance very well. Harris did a much better job of explaining it, and completely changed my mind. I think she’s amazingly brilliant.

Abortion is never mentioned anywhere in the Bible; however, treating the poor and oppressed badly is talked about everywhere. The people that Christ had a problem with were the greedy rich and powerful, and religious hypocrites.

Remember, this is the time of the black pope. And not in color. But attitude and views.

Paedophilia is wrong

Ancient Hebrew protocol for abortion: Numbers 5:11-31.

The lesser of two evils, the Pope said, but didn't come down on one side or another I don't think.

This pope is not infallible, but he's the only one I've ever liked, in 60 years. Those two facts might be related.

I’m so disappointed in Pope Francis. He usually can be counted on to speak truth to power. If he is the leader of Roman Catholics, he is leading badly.

Making a law against a sin does not "purify" that sin because the sinner still desires to commit it. If our job is to save souls, we need to focus on the parent's souls. I believe God has a special place for children killed by their parents. What will happen to the parent's souls? Teaching people to respect and cherish God's creation may be our purpose in life.

Evil is evil there is no such thing as the lesser of two evils. That’s like choosing arsenic over strychnine

Henry VIII also thought the Pope was wrong. It's an Anglican thing.

Pope Francis never said that Donald Trump was the lesser evil. He said he didn’t know. If you disagree with him that’s your prerogative, but please don’t misrepresent what he said.

Since when do Evangelicals care about the Pope.

Pope Francis, The American Election 2024, And Lesser of Two Evils? That's a lot of ground to cover, my friend

Francis is doing what he can with the religious system that he has been bequeathed. I think there's a problem with life being viewed from only one dimension. Spiritual life is part of it too, and only God can show the person where they are in that respect. There are abnormal and crisis pregnancy situations that will crush a soul. If the person believes God wants and has prepared them to be all heroic about it then that's fine, but that's voluntary too.

tRumps idea of the public....??¿ We the pee pole!

Exactly why theocracies are possibly the worst form of government. Communism doesn't work period. Socialism is tricky. Democracy is messy. But therocray is an abomination

I don't think the Holy Father understands democracy.

Trump calls us the Lunatic Left. I guess Brett Baire is ok with that.