VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV weighed in on several recent political developments in the U.S. on Tuesday (Sept. 30), including a controversy over plans to honor U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a champion of immigrants’ rights, with a lifetime achievement award by a Catholic institution — despite criticism of the Illinois lawmaker’s long-standing support for abortion.
Speaking to EWTN outside of his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, about one hour south of Rome, the first American pope said he wasn’t “very familiar with the case,” but he stressed that the award was a recognition of Durbin’s “overall work” during more than 40 years of service in Congress.
“I understand the difficulty and the tensions. But I think as I myself have spoken in the past, it’s important to consider many issues related to the teaching of the Church,” said Leo, who was born and raised in the Chicago area.
“Someone who says I’m against abortion but is in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life,” he continued. “And someone who says I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro-life.”
The pope acknowledged the complexity of the issue and urged people involved in the U.S. — and his native state of Illinois — to “have respect for one another” while reminding faithful that the teaching of the Catholic Church on these issues is “very clear.”
On Sept. 22, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich announced he would be presenting Durbin with the award at the upcoming Keep Hope Alive gala in acknowledgment of Durbin’s support for migrants. Critics, including Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, where Durbin lives, condemned the decision because of the senator’s past support for abortion rights. Paprocki had also denied Communion for Durbin since 2004.
Shortly after the pope’s remarks, Cupich issued a statement announcing Durbin had declined to receive the award. “While I am saddened by this news, I respect his decision,” read the statement, which also stressed that the award was in recognition of “his unwavering support of immigrants, which is so needed in our day.”
Cupich acknowledged the growing partisan divide within the U.S., which he said leaves Catholics “politically homeless.” While church teaching bars honoring politicians who support policies contrary to Catholic doctrine, he said no leader consistently embodies Catholic social teaching.
“Total condemnation is not the way forward, for it shuts down discussion,” he continued, urging Catholics to come together in defense of the unborn, immigrants, the environment and people on death row. He offered to schedule synodal gatherings, marked by a style of listening and inclusion, to discuss these issues.
Asked by Religion News Service about the pope’s comments saying inhumane treatment of immigrants is not compatible with being pro-life, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson wrote that President Donald Trump “is keeping his promise to the American people” to “deport criminal illegal aliens.”
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Leo also reacted to the meeting that day of military leaders convened by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, describing its rhetoric as “worrying.” The pope also said that the decision to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War is representative of a government that “uses force to exert pressure.”
On the Middle East, he called Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza a “realistic proposal,” praising Israel’s acceptance and urging Hamas to adopt it “within the established time frame.” He also voiced concern over a flotilla of activists heading toward Gaza, acknowledging “a real humanitarian emergency” but expressing hope “there will be no violence and that people are respected.”
National Reporter Jack Jenkins contributed to this report