Senator Durbin Declines Chicago Catholic Immigrant Award Amid Bishops' Abortion Criticism

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, a Catholic and Democrat from Illinois, declined a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chicago Archdiocese that was meant to honor his support for immigrants, following backlash from several U.S. Catholic bishops due to his pro-abortion stance. Cardinal Blase Cupich had initially praised Durbin's unwavering support for immigrants but faced criticism from bishops like Bishop Thomas Paprocki, who declared Durbin unfit for any Catholic honor and welcomed his decision to decline the award. Bishop Michael Burbidge expressed relief at Durbin's withdrawal, emphasizing the Church's need to uphold the gospel of life in its entirety. Pope Leo XIV refrained from taking a side, advocating for a holistic view of pro-life issues beyond abortion, including opposition to the death penalty and the humane treatment of immigrants. The controversy highlights deep divisions within the Catholic Church over balancing political achievements and adherence to Church teachings on life issues. Cardinal Cupich has proposed synodal gatherings to foster respectful dialogue among Catholics on these contentious issues.