In a 2016 homily on the presidential election, Fr. John Lankeit of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona warns Catholics that their souls “will be in grave danger” if they enable candidates who support abortion.
“If you do know which candidate and party want to promote and expand abortion, and you still intend to enable them to continue their war on the unborn with your vote, then it is my duty as a priest to tell you that your soul will be in grave danger,” Lankeit says.
He responds to numerous objections to the pro-life argument throughout his remarks and addresses claims that priests should remain politically neutral.
“Let me sum up with some very challenging words: we have a serious obligation to protect human life and especially the lives of the most innocent and vulnerable among us. Whoever fails to do this when otherwise able to do so commits a serious sin of omission. They jeopardize their own spiritual well-being and are a source of scandal for others. Should they be Catholics, they should not receive Holy Communion,” he continues.
Although delivered in 2016, Lankeit’s homily remains just as relevant four years later.
Watch the full homily below:
