US EditionDurbin's Abortion Stance Sparks Backlash Ahead of Archdiocese Award
Cardinal Cupich will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Senator Durbin despite his ban from Communion and criticism from bishops and pro-life groups over his abortion voting record.
- On November 3, 2025, the Archdiocese of Chicago will present Senator Dick Durbin a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Keep Hope Alive Benefit at St. Ignatius College Prep, supporting immigration initiatives.
- Since 2004, Senator Dick Durbin has been barred from receiving Holy Communion in the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, a ban Bishop Thomas Paprocki reaffirmed in 2021 due to Durbin's pro-abortion voting record.
- Two bishops, including Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, condemned the honor and urged Cupich to reconsider, with Cordileone stating `I hope this will be a clarion call to all members of the Body of Christ to speak out to make clear the grave evil that is the taking of innocent human life`.
- Defending the choice, Cupich said `At the heart of the consistent ethic of life is the recognition that Catholic teaching on life and dignity cannot be reduced to a single issue, even an issue as important as abortion`, noting he followed May 2021 guidance in engaging Durbin.
- With Senator Dick Durbin retiring at the end of his term in 2026, Bishop Thomas Paprocki warned the award risks causing grave scandal and contradicts Archdiocese of Chicago policy and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops guidance.
18 Articles
18 Articles
catholicworldreport.com
Catholic TelegraphCardinal Cupich defends decision to honor pro-abortion senator at immigration fundraiser
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago. / Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 23, 2025 / 16:52 pm (CNA). Chicago archbishop Cardinal Blase Cupich is defending his decision to honor pro-abortion Illinois Democrat Sen. Richard Durb... [...]
Cardinal Cupich defends decision to honor pro-abortion senator
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago. / Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 23, 2025 / 16:52 pm (CNA). Chicago archbishop Cardinal Blase Cupich is defending his decision to honor pro-abortion Illinois Democrat Sen. Richard Durbin with an award at the archdiocese’s upcoming Keep Hope Alive immigration ministry fundraiser.“Recently some have criticized the decision of the Archdiocese of Chicago to recognize Sen. Dick Durbin at our…
Sen. Durbin Is Unfit to Receive Any Catholic Honor - First Things
I was shocked to learn that the Archbishop of Chicago, Blase Cardinal Cupich, plans to bestow a lifetime achievement award on Sen. Richard Durbin through the archdiocese’s office of human dignity and solidarity at their fundraiser on November 3 at St. Ignatius College Prep. Because this decision threatens to scandalize the faithful and injure the bonds of ecclesial communion, it should be reversed. The Church teaches that abortion—the intentiona…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
