Pope: Death‑Penalty Support Undercuts 'Pro‑Life' Claim
Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, on Oct. 1, 2025 weighed in on a U.S. Catholic Church dispute, saying someone who opposes abortion but supports the death penalty 'is not really pro‑life.' His remarks came while addressing controversy over Cardinal Blase Cupich’s plan to give a lifetime achievement award to Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin—who later declined the honor—and touch on broader debates among U.S. bishops about Communion, immigration policy and consistency with Church teaching.
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Religion
🔍 Key Facts
- Pope Leo XIV said: 'Someone who says ‘I’m against abortion but says I am in favor of the death penalty’ is not really pro‑life.'
- The comment came amid pushback over Cardinal Blase Cupich's plan to honor Sen. Dick Durbin; Cupich said Durbin later declined the award.
- Cupich had planned the award for Nov. 3, 2025; Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield has barred Durbin from Communion since 2004 over his abortion‑rights stance.