Speaking to Crux during the Synod of Bishops on Synodality in Rome, Cardinal Gregory stressed the need for Catholics to have a comprehensive view of the nation's key issues.

"No political party and certainly no individual candidate that I've experienced embraces the full range of Catholic social, moral teaching" he says. "Obviously, the reverence, the respect of human life is a dominant concern."

The cardinal questioned whether Catholics should engage in single-issue voting based solely on a candidate's stance on abortion without considering their other positions.

"Yes, it is foundational, the dignity of unborn life, but does it dispense with all of the other awful proposals that are out there?" Gregory asked.

Umbrella of respect for human life

Gregory highlighted several issues that fall under what he described as the "umbrella of respect for human life". These include immigration, capital punishment, poverty, racism and mental health.

The cardinal noted that issues such as race, gender and gun violence have also come to the forefront of the election. The cardinal pointed to the ongoing violence in the US and internationally as areas voters should consider carefully.

He also mentioned economic issues including the challenge of earning a living wage, child care and racial disparity, which remain pressing concerns in American life.

Lesser of two evils

Pope Francis recently urged American Catholics to choose the lesser of two evils in the upcoming US presidential election, criticising both Donald Trump's immigration policies and Kamala Harris' support for abortion rights.

The pope condemned the refusal to welcome migrants as a "grave sin" and described abortion as an "assassination".

Francis said both candidates' policies are "against life".

"Whether it is the one who is chasing away migrants or the one who kills children, both are against life."

Sources

Catholic Herald

CathNews New Zealand

Francis made the comments during a press conference aboard the Papal plane on his flight back to Rome from Singapore.

Without naming Donald Trump or Kamala Harris directly, Pope Francis referred to policies on immigration and abortion as serious moral issues.

He condemned the refusal to welcome migrants as a "grave sin" and described abortion as an "assassination".

The pope encouraged Catholics to vote, urging them to reflect deeply and decide in good conscience, saying "Not voting is ugly. It is not good. You must vote".

"You must choose the lesser evil" he said.

"Who is the lesser evil? That lady, or that gentleman? I don't know. Everyone, in conscience, (has to) think and do this."

52 million US Catholics

US Catholics, numbering around 52 million, are seen as a key voting bloc in the November election. Catholics make up significant portions of the electorate in swing states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where their votes could sway the election outcome.

The pope reiterated the Church's longstanding opposition to abortion, stating clearly that it is "killing a human being" and that no exceptions could justify it.

Similarly, he emphasised the Church's support for the rights of migrants, referencing biblical teachings that call for the care of orphans, widows and foreigners.

Trump has promised, if elected to a second term as president, to crack down on illegal immigration and deport millions of immigrants already in the US.

He has also refused to rule out building detention camps for undocumented immigrants.

Harris has promised to sign any legislation passed by Congress to restore national protections for abortion access, which the Supreme Court struck down in its 2022 Dobbs decision.

Francis said both candidates' policies are "against life".

"Whether it is the one who is chasing away migrants or the one who kills children, both are against life."

Sources

Reuters

Religion News Service

CathNews New Zealand