Overview

• Answering an EWTN question at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV said those who oppose abortion but support the death penalty or accept inhuman treatment of immigrants are not truly pro‑life.
• The comments addressed Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich’s plan to honor Sen. Dick Durbin for immigration advocacy and urged considering the senator’s overall record.
• Hours later, Cupich announced Durbin had declined the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Keep Hope Alive lifetime achievement award.
• Conservative bishops, led by Springfield’s Thomas Paprocki—who has barred Durbin from Communion since 2004—had argued the honor conflicted with church teaching on abortion.
• The White House rejected claims of inhumane migrant treatment and defended enforcement policies, as Cupich warned polarization leaves many U.S. Catholics politically homeless.