what did the pope say about abortion

Pope Francis has consistently taught that abortion is a grave evil and a "murder" of a human life from conception. He has called abortion "an attack on life," emphasized that "scientifically it’s a human life," and declared abortion to be "a grave sin." However, he also speaks about God's mercy, stating that no sin is beyond forgiveness for a repentant heart. He urges a firm commitment to protect life at all stages and highlights that abortion is never the answer families seek. Pope Francis has also criticized a "culture of waste" that allows abortion and called for protecting the gift of life, especially in difficult pregnancies. Additionally, the Church promotes support for families to prevent recourse to abortion and calls abortion "a tragedy" and "a crime" comparable to hiring a hitman to solve a problem. More recently, Pope Leo XIV (the current pope as of 2025) intervened in abortion debates in the US, emphasizing that being truly "pro-life" means opposing not just abortion but also the death penalty and inhumane treatment of immigrants, pointing out inconsistencies in how pro-life is sometimes applied selectively. In summary, the Popes firmly oppose abortion on moral, scientific, and humanitarian grounds while also emphasizing compassion, forgiveness, and a broader pro-life ethic that opposes all unjust taking of human life.