Pope Leo XIV Faces Backlash Over Pro-Abortion Senator Award and Death Penalty Remarks

Pope Leo XIV sparked controversy among conservative Catholics and MAGA-aligned groups by defending Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich's decision to honor Senator Dick Durbin, a pro-choice Democrat, with a lifetime achievement award for his immigration advocacy. The pope emphasized a broader interpretation of Catholic social teaching, arguing that being 'pro-life' encompasses opposition to the death penalty and humane treatment of immigrants, criticizing those who selectively oppose abortion while supporting other life-threatening policies. Durbin ultimately declined the award amid backlash, including a petition from CatholicVote and criticism from several U.S. bishops who cited his abortion-rights advocacy as incompatible with Church teachings. Pope Leo's stance highlights tensions within the American Catholic community between upholding traditional pro-life doctrine narrowly focused on abortion versus a more expansive view incorporating various social justice issues. Critics argue that the pope's comments contradict long-standing Church teaching on abortion and the death penalty, while supporters view his approach as a call to apply consistent principles of human dignity. This episode reflects ongoing divisions within the Church over political alignment and the scope of Catholic pro-life advocacy.