Twelve days later, Pope Francis has returned from the longest trip of his pontificate. On his flight home, the 87-year-old Pope clarified to journalists which upcoming trips he will and will not be taking.
In response to rumors that he would be present at the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral, he made it clear that he does not plan to go to Paris.
He reiterated his dream to visit China. And when asked about a trip to his home country of Argentina, he once again said that he wants to go, but there are things he must resolve beforehand. He does, however, have his sights set on the south of Spain.
POPE FRANCIS
I am thinking about going to the Canary Islands, because there are situations of migrants coming from the sea and I would like to be close to the authorities and the people.
The migration debate is not only in the spotlight in Europe but also in the United States. Just three days after the first U.S. presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, the Pope was asked for his advice to American Catholic voters in the upcoming election. He said they have a responsibility to vote for the lesser evil.
POPE FRANCIS
Both are against life, both the one that throws out migrants and the one that kills children.
In political morality, in general they say that if you don’t vote, it’s not good, it’s bad. You have to vote, and you have to choose the lesser evil. Who is the lesser evil, that woman or that man? I don’t know. Each one, in his or her conscience, must think and do this.
And on the topic of international politics, Pope Francis spoke out about Venezuela and was clear in his words about dictatorship.
POPE FRANCIS
I have not followed the situation in Venezuela, but the message I will give to the rulers is to dialogue and make peace. Dictatorships are useless and sooner or later, they end poorly.
As soon as he landed back in Rome, Pope Francis went to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, as he does at the conclusion of each apostolic visit. This was the 45th trip of his pontificate.
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TR: AT
