Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) has stepped into a firestorm by declining a prestigious award from Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, following intense pushback from Catholic leaders and pro-life advocates over his pro-abortion stance.
Breitbart reported that the controversy erupted when Durbin was slated to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for his immigration efforts at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s upcoming “Keep Hope Alive” event, only to face sharp criticism and ultimately decline the honor after objections from bishops and organizations.
The saga began when Cardinal Cupich, alongside the Archdiocese’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity Immigration Ministry, announced their intent to honor Durbin for his work on immigration reform.
Opposition quickly mounted as prominent Catholic bishops voiced their disapproval, citing Durbin’s long-standing support for policies that conflict with church teachings on the sanctity of life.
Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, where Durbin resides, didn’t mince words, arguing the award defied the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ guidance on not honoring those who oppose core moral values.
Bishop James Johnston, Jr. of Kansas City-St. Joseph echoed this sentiment on social media, calling the decision irreconcilable with Catholic moral doctrine, a polite but pointed jab at the Archdiocese’s initial choice.
Retired Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City didn’t hold back either, labeling the award a “source of scandal” and a failure of pastoral duty, highlighting the deep rift within Catholic circles over this decision.
Pro-life advocates, including Students for Life, piled on with criticism, with their president, Kristan Hawkins, stating, “It’s both ironic and deeply troubling” that Durbin would be honored while pushing policies at odds with life-affirming values. Irony, indeed—honoring someone for one cause while ignoring a glaring contradiction seems more like a political misstep than a principled stand.
Other bishops, from Texas to California and beyond, joined the chorus of disapproval, signaling a rare unity among church leaders against what they saw as a misguided gesture by Cardinal Cupich.
Even Pope Leo XIV weighed in with a cautious comment just hours before Durbin’s refusal, urging respect and dialogue to navigate such divisive issues within the church. While noble in theory, one wonders if dialogue can bridge a gap this wide when fundamental principles are at stake.
Cardinal Cupich, in his statement confirming Durbin’s decision to decline, expressed sadness but stood by the intent, saying, “I respect his decision.” Respect is fine, but it doesn’t erase the question of why this award was considered in the first place, given the predictable backlash.
Cupich further defended his approach, noting, “Total condemnation is not the way forward, for it shuts down discussion.” Fair enough, but critics might argue that awarding someone whose policies clash with church doctrine isn’t exactly opening a productive conversation—it’s more like lighting a match in a room full of dynamite.
The Cardinal’s emphasis on recognizing Durbin’s immigration work as a singular contribution feels like an attempt to sidestep the elephant in the room—namely, the senator’s advocacy for policies that many faithful see as non-negotiable violations of human dignity.
This incident isn’t just about one award; it’s a snapshot of the broader tension within the Catholic community over how to engage with political figures who pick and choose which church teachings to uphold. While compassion and dialogue are vital, ignoring core principles risks alienating the very flock the church seeks to shepherd.