Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Addressing the dilemma faced by U.S. Catholics in choosing between a candidate who supports abortion and one who supports closing borders and deporting migrants, Pope Francis advised choosing "the lesser evil."

"Who is the ‘lesser evil’ that woman or that man?" the pope asked, referring to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. "I do not know. Each person must think and decide in his or her conscience."

Pope Francis spent 45 minutes answering questions from journalists on his flight from Singapore to Rome at the end of a 12-day trip. Topics included the countries he visited, sexual abuse, future travel plans, the war in the Holy Land, and Vatican relations with China.

A U.S. television reporter questioned him about Catholic voters' choices between Harris, who supports legalized abortion, and Trump, who wants to severely restrict immigration and deport millions of migrants.

Both attitudes "are against life: the one who wants to throw out the migrants and the one who kills children," said Pope Francis. "Both are against life."

"To have an abortion is to kill a human being," said Pope Francis. "The Catholic Church does not allow abortion because it is killing. It is assassination."

When asked if there were situations where a Catholic could vote for a pro-abortion candidate, he responded that in political morality, not voting is wrong; one must choose the lesser evil according to one's conscience.

Abortion and care for migrants are issues U.S. bishops urge Catholics to consider when voting. Their document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” states that “the threat of abortion remains our pre-eminent priority.”

On clerical sexual abuse scandals, particularly new allegations against Abbé Pierre of Emmaus Community fame, Pope Francis emphasized transparency: “We must speak clearly on these things and not hide them.”

As turbulence interrupted his responses during the flight, Pope Francis joked with reporters but continued addressing questions about sexual abuse as criminal acts.

During his trip, rumors surfaced about Pope Francis visiting Paris on Dec. 8 for Notre Dame Cathedral's reopening after its 2019 fire. The pope denied these claims: "I will not go to Paris."

Regarding a potential trip to Argentina, his homeland, he stated it was undecided but expressed interest while noting various unresolved issues.

If he visits Argentina, he would like to stop over in the Canary Islands where thousands of African migrants have arrived.

Discussing Vatican-China relations since their 2018 agreement on bishop appointments—up for renewal in October—the pope expressed satisfaction with ongoing dialogue despite some breaches by China.

He also acknowledged China's efforts toward peace in Gaza amid recent conflicts: “I call the parish in Gaza every day,” noting that both Christians and Muslims have taken shelter there.

Pope Francis refrained from judging Israel's response to Hamas invasions but condemned violence impacting civilians: “Sometimes...a war is just too much.”