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Pope questions those against abortion but in favor of execution

Pope Leo called for mutual respect between opposing factions — Pope Leo called for mutual respect between opposing factions (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Pope Leo XIV intervened in a heated abortion dispute within the US Catholic Church, questioning the very definition of what it means to be "pro-life".
The pontiff's remarks came after conservative US bishops objected to Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich's plan to honor Illinois Senator Dick Durbin with a lifetime achievement award.
Senator Durbin, a prominent Democrat, had been criticized for his support of abortion rights, sparking the controversy.
Pope Leo XIV stated that being "pro-life" should encompass opposition to the death penalty and humane treatment of immigrants, not solely abortion.
He called for greater mutual respect between opposing factions and a collective search for understanding on ethical issues within the Church.
Following the Pope's intervention, Senator Durbin declined the award, with Cardinal Cupich lamenting the political polarization in the US.

Pope Leo questions what it actually means to be pro-life — In full