(NewsNation) — Pope Leo XIV spoke out on the death penalty and inhumane treatment of immigrants Tuesday, saying those who support those policies are “not really pro-life.”
The pope made the comments to reporters at EWTN News, weighing in on a decision by Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich to honor Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., for his defense of immigrants.
Ten American bishops objected to the award because Durbin supports legalized abortion.
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The long-serving senator has said that while he would encourage women in his life not to have an abortion, he recognizes that it is their decision, and in terms of public policy, that option should be there.
Pope Leo XIV said he wasn’t familiar with Durbin’s specific situation but noted that it is important to look at the overall record of his work.
“Someone who says, ‘I’m against abortion,’ but says, ‘I’m in favor of the death penalty,’ is not really pro-life,” the pope said. “Someone who says that, ‘I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhumane treatment of immigrants who are in the United States,’ I don’t know if that’s pro-life.”
The Archdiocese of Chicago announced on Tuesday that Durbin had chosen not to receive the award, with Cupich lamenting the limited political options available to Catholics.
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The pope has previously condemned capital punishment and the Trump administration’s rhetoric and policies regarding immigrants. He has also affirmed the church’s position on abortion.
He also spoke of a need for togetherness.
“I would ask, first and foremost, that there be greater respect for one another and that we search together, both as human beings, in that case as American citizens, or citizens of the state of Illinois, as well as Catholics, to say, ‘We need to really look closely at all of these ethical issues, and to find the way forward as a church,’” the pope said.
