Overview

• The Archdiocese of Chicago says Cardinal Blase Cupich will present Sen. Dick Durbin with a lifetime achievement award on Nov. 3 at St. Ignatius College Prep during the Keep Hope Alive benefit.
• Cupich said the award reflects Durbin’s contributions on immigration, care for the poor, Laudato Si’, and world peace, arguing Catholic teaching on life and dignity is not reducible to a single issue.
• Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki urged Cupich to cancel the award, warning of “grave scandal” given Durbin’s long pro-abortion voting record and noting Durbin has been barred from Communion in the Springfield Diocese since 2004.
• San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone publicly backed Paprocki’s call, citing Durbin’s opposition to bills such as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act as incompatible with Church teaching.
• Durbin responded that he personally discourages abortion but supports preserving legal access as a matter of public policy, and Illinois Right to Life says it plans a peaceful protest outside the event.