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.
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20 Articles
Students for Life Slams Archdiocese for Honoring Pro-Abortion Senator Durbin, Demands Award Be Revoked - Students for Life of America
“It’s both ironic and deeply troubling that Senator Durbin is being honored with a lifetime achievement award while championing policies that literally end lives,” said Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America. “The Archdiocese of Chicago has a moral responsibility to rescind the award and publicly distance itself from Durbin’s radically anti-Catholic and pro-abortion stance.” For media inquiries, ...
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…
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