Overview

• León XIV told reporters that opposing abortion while supporting the death penalty or inhumane treatment of migrants cannot credibly be called pro‑life.
• White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected the criticism and said the administration enforces immigration laws in the most humane way possible, while faulting the prior Biden administration.
• Cardinal Blase Cupich later announced that Senator Dick Durbin declined the planned award recognizing his immigration work after conservative objections tied to his abortion stance.
• The pope made his remarks at Castel Gandolfo, urged mutual respect in U.S. Church disputes, and said political figures should be judged on their full records.
• The comments align with Catholic teaching that condemns abortion and deems the death penalty inadmissible, and reflect Vatican emphasis on migrant dignity.