Pope Francis likened abortion doctors and advocates to Nazis on Saturday in a statement that is rocking the world with its fiery tenor.

“We do the same as the Nazis to maintain the purity of the race, but with white gloves on,” the head of the Catholic Church said in an address to the Forum of Family Associations on its 25-year anniversary, according to USA Today. “It is fashionable, or at least usual, that when in the first few months of a pregnancy doctors do studies to see if the child is healthy or has something, the first idea is: ‘Let’s send it away,'” the pope also said.

Francis remained silent following Ireland’s May 26 vote to legalize abortions in the Catholic country until Saturday. The pope’s home country, Argentina, is also moving towards legalizing abortion. Its lower chamber of Congress voted Thursday to legalize abortion up to 14 weeks in pregnancy and will require ratification by the Senate to become law. (RELATED: Argentina Congress Votes To Legalize Abortion Up To 14 Weeks)

“What could be a bigger sin than killing an unborn child?” Nicaraguan nun Anna Perez asked, USA Today reported. The nun was visiting the Vatican when the pope made his remarks. “I hope world leaders are listening,” mother of three Alex Barry also said. She was visiting the Vatican Saturday like Perez. “The world needs moral leadership now more than ever,” Barry added.

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