Cardinal Cupich’s Award to Sen. Durbin Sparks Pro-Life Outrage
A local pro-life activist called the decision “un-Catholic” and scandalous, urging Catholics to contact the Archdiocese to protest.
CHICAGO — Cardinal Blase Cupich, head of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Chicago, is being criticized for his decision to honor pro-abortion Sen. Dick Durbin with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the “Keep Hope Alive” Benefit on November 3.
Pro-life advocates, led by Illinois Right to Life, condemn the decision as a betrayal of Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life. Durbin, a Catholic elected in 1997, has opposed key pro-life laws, including the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban and Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, while supporting the Women’s Health Protection Act.
His record led to a Communion ban by Bsp. Thomas Paprocki in 2021. Critics, including pro-life activist Mary Kate Zander, call the award “un-Catholic” and scandalous, urging Catholics to contact the Archdiocese to protest.
Cupich’s move follows his prayer at the 2024 DNC, intensifying scrutiny of his stance on abortion.
