Overview

• Cardinal Blase Cupich said Sen. Dick Durbin informed him he will not accept the Chicago Archdiocese’s planned Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his immigration advocacy.
• The award was to be presented at the Nov. 3 Keep Hope Alive benefit, which remains scheduled without Durbin as honoree, according to archdiocesan plans.
• Several U.S. bishops publicly objected to honoring Durbin, with Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki warning of “grave scandal” and noting Durbin’s Communion ban in his diocese since 2004.
• Pope Leo XIV, saying he was not deeply familiar with the case, urged Catholics to assess a lawmaker’s overall record and questioned claims of being pro‑life while supporting the death penalty or harsh treatment of immigrants.
• Conservative groups including CatholicVote organized petitions and planned protests, drawing tens of thousands of signatures, as Cupich defended recognizing Durbin’s immigration work and called for respectful dialogue in a polarized Church.