Chicago archbishop’s decision to honor US senator stirs Catholic abortion debate
The Chicago Archdiocese will honor Senator Durbin for his immigration advocacy despite his pro-abortion rights stance, sparking division among bishops and Catholics on Communion policies.
- Last week, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago announced the archdiocese will honor Sen. Dick Durbin with a lifetime achievement award at a Nov. 3 fundraiser for the immigration ministry.
- The dispute traces to Sen. Dick Durbin's support for abortion rights despite personal disapproval, and his prohibition from Communion in the Diocese of Springfield since 2004 by Bishop Thomas Paprocki.
- In a First Things article, Paprocki wrote that he was `shocked` and called Cardinal Blase Cupich's decision absurd, while Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone urged Cupich to `reconsider` granting Durbin the award.
- Addressing criticism on Monday, Cardinal Blase Cupich said Catholic teaching on life cannot be reduced to a single issue, while pro-life organizations plan protests and the USCCB declined comment on Tuesday.
- This dispute revives tensions between U.S. bishops and Catholic politicians from 2004 and follows a 2021 USCCB teaching, coinciding with at least 550 arrests in Chicago under President Donald Trump’s administration.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Chicago archbishop’s decision to honor U.S. senator stirs Catholic abortion debate
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois — A Catholic bishop’s opposition to the Archdiocese of Chicago’s plans to honor Sen. Dick Durbin despite the powerful politician’s support of abortion rights has revived a decades-old struggle between church teaching and political reality. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago announced last week that the archdiocese will present a lifetime achievement award to the high-ranking Catholic Democrat for his work helping immigrants a…

Chicago archbishop's decision to honor US senator stirs Catholic abortion debate
The Archdiocese of Chicago plans to honor Sen. Dick Durbin with a lifetime achievement award, sparking controversy over his support for abortion rights.
Robert Royal Criticizes Archdiocese of Chicago’s Decision to Honor Senator Durbin
The decision by the Archdiocese of Chicago to grant Senator Dick Durbin a lifetime achievement award at its Keep Hope Alive fundraiser has sparked controversy within the Catholic community. Bishop Thomas Paprocki denounced the move as “gravely mistaken,” pointing to Durbin’s long record of supporting abortion rights. Cardinal Blase Cupich defended the recognition, citing Durbin’s work on immigration, poverty, and peace, and arguing that Catholic…
The Archdiocese of Chicago intends to award a politician who supports the unconditional killing of unborn children. The decision to award the distinction is being defended by Chicago Metropolitan Cardinal Blase Cupich. He is referring to Senator Richard Durbin, a Democratic politician. Since 2004, he has been barred from receiving Holy Communion in his former diocese of Springfield, Illinois. This is a decision of the local Church due to its rad…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium