ROME (AP) — In a groundbreaking moment, Pope Leo XIV has weighed in on the ongoing turmoil related to abortion within the U.S. Catholic Church, drawing attention to what it truly means to hold ‘pro-life’ views.
Speaking on Tuesday, Leo, a native of Chicago, addressed Cardinal Blase Cupich’s plans to award Illinois Senator Dick Durbin for his contributions supporting immigrants, sparking mixed reactions. Some conservative bishops voiced their concerns due to Durbin’s pro-abortion rights stance.
During his remarks, Leo emphasized the need for kindness to both sides, while highlighting the contradictions in these discussions. He pointed out that a person who claims to oppose abortion but supports the death penalty isn’t embodying ‘pro-life’ principles. Similarly, he his skepticism about those who oppose abortion yet tolerate mistreatment of immigrants in the U.S.
The timing of Leo’s comments was noteworthy, as they preceded the announcement that Durbin would be passing on the award.
The Church maintains a strong anti-abortion stance but also deems the death penalty as always unacceptable. Moreover, U.S. bishops have consistently advocated for the humane treatment of migrants, mindful of the Biblical call to ‘welcome the stranger.’
Pope Leo Advocates for Mutual Respect
Though Leo stated he was not fully aware of the current disagreement regarding Durbin’s award, he insisted that a respectful examination of Durbin’s entire performance over four decades was crucial. Responding to a question from the U.S. Catholic broadcaster EWTN News, he remarked on the diverse ethical dilemmas the Church engages with.
“I can’t say anyone has absolute truth on these issues, but I urge everyone to prioritize respect and come together. As both Americans and Catholics, we need to scrutinize these ethical issues more deeply and discover a unified path forward in the church,” Leo expressed.
Meanwhile, Cupich, known to be a close ally of Pope Francis, has often echoed Francis’s backing of Church teachings that oppose abortion, while also denouncing the politicization that surrounds the topic by some U.S. bishops. There have been calls from certain bishops to deny Communion to Catholic politicians, including past President Joe Biden, for their support of abortion rights.
Biden has had multiple meetings with Pope Francis and recounted that the Pope encouraged him to keep taking Communion. Biden was seen receiving the sacrament from the Pope’s diocese in Rome during a Mass in 2021.
Interestingly, back in 2004, Durbin was blockaded from Communion in his own Springfield diocese. This disapproval remains under Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki, who firmly disagreed with Cupich’s inclination to recognize the senator.
Senator Durbin Refuses Award
In an announcement about the award, Cupich voiced regret that the political climate in the U.S. has made many Catholics feel estranged, as neither major party aligns well with Catholic teachings.
He stood firm in honoring Durbin’s immigrant advocacy, noting that the November 3 ceremony might have created opportunities for dialogue with the senator and other leaders regarding the Church’s positions on various matters, abortion included.
“The event could have inspired Catholics defending the dignity of the unborn, elderly, and the sick to also embrace the protection of immigrants, currently facing significant threats to their lives and the lives of their families,” Cupich explained.
Bishop Paprocki thanked Durbin for his choice to decline the honor, saying, “I urge all Catholics to persist in praying for our deaconry, our country, and for the inherent dignity of all people across every stage of life, including the unborn and immigrants,” a sentiment he shared via a Facebook post.
This discussion occurs alongside the intensified immigration crackdown initiated during the Trump administration in the Chicago area.
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