Catholic Uproar Forces Sen. Durbin to Decline Controversial Church Award

Paul Riverbank, 10/1/2025Catholic outrage over abortion stance forces Senator Durbin to decline church immigration award.

I've watched similar conflicts unfold over the years, but this one's different. The planned recognition of Durbin at next year's "Keep Hope Alive Benefit" has unleashed an unprecedented wave of opposition from Church leadership. While the award was meant to celebrate the Senator's immigration advocacy, his unwavering support for abortion rights has sparked fierce resistance.

The controversy took an unexpected turn when Pope Leo XIV waded into the discussion. "We must consider a politician's complete record," he remarked during an informal press gathering. The Pope's intervention – unusual in such matters – suggests the Vatican's growing concern about the American Church's increasingly fractious relationship with political figures.

Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield didn't mince words in his response. Speaking from his office in Durbin's home diocese, he warned that honoring the Senator could cause "grave scandal." The bishop's stern rebuke reflects a growing movement within the Church hierarchy to take a harder line on abortion politics.

The grassroots response has been equally dramatic. CatholicVote's petition against the award gathered steam quickly, drawing more than 20,000 signatures in just days. Their president, Kelsey Reinhardt, told me the organization plans to maintain pressure until the ceremony is officially canceled.

What's particularly striking about this situation is how it's mobilized Church leadership. Nine bishops – an unusually high number for such a controversy – have publicly opposed the award. Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco even suggested the decision threatens both "clarity and unity" within the Church.

Late yesterday, sources confirmed that Durbin had declined the award. While Cardinal Cupich expressed disappointment, defending the original decision based on Durbin's immigration work, the Senator's withdrawal speaks volumes about the changing dynamics between Catholic institutions and Democratic politicians.

This isn't just about one award or one senator. The controversy highlights the Catholic Church's ongoing struggle to engage with political figures whose positions only partially align with religious doctrine. It's a challenge that's becoming increasingly complex in our polarized political landscape.

As someone who's covered religious-political intersections for decades, I can't help but see this as a watershed moment. The Church's traditional approach of engaging with politicians despite disagreements on specific issues appears to be giving way to a more confrontational stance, particularly on abortion.

The planned protest outside November's event – should it proceed – will likely draw national attention. But the real story here isn't about a single ceremony or protest. It's about how religious institutions navigate their relationships with political figures in an era of deepening ideological divisions.

The American Catholic Church finds itself at the center of an intensifying debate that cuts to the heart of religious institutions' relationship with political figures. What began as Cardinal Blase Cupich's decision to honor Senator Dick Durbin has erupted into a nationwide controversy that reveals deeper fissures within the Catholic community.I've watched similar conflicts unfold over the years, but this one's different. The planned recognition of Durbin at next year's "Keep Hope Alive Benefit" has unleashed an unprecedented wave of opposition from Church leadership. While the award was meant to celebrate the Senator's immigration advocacy, his unwavering support for abortion rights has sparked fierce resistance.The controversy took an unexpected turn when Pope Leo XIV waded into the discussion. "We must consider a politician's complete record," he remarked during an informal press gathering. The Pope's intervention – unusual in such matters – suggests the Vatican's growing concern about the American Church's increasingly fractious relationship with political figures.Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield didn't mince words in his response. Speaking from his office in Durbin's home diocese, he warned that honoring the Senator could cause "grave scandal." The bishop's stern rebuke reflects a growing movement within the Church hierarchy to take a harder line on abortion politics.The grassroots response has been equally dramatic. CatholicVote's petition against the award gathered steam quickly, drawing more than 20,000 signatures in just days. Their president, Kelsey Reinhardt, told me the organization plans to maintain pressure until the ceremony is officially canceled.What's particularly striking about this situation is how it's mobilized Church leadership. Nine bishops – an unusually high number for such a controversy – have publicly opposed the award. Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco even suggested the decision threatens both "clarity and unity" within the Church.Late yesterday, sources confirmed that Durbin had declined the award. While Cardinal Cupich expressed disappointment, defending the original decision based on Durbin's immigration work, the Senator's withdrawal speaks volumes about the changing dynamics between Catholic institutions and Democratic politicians.This isn't just about one award or one senator. The controversy highlights the Catholic Church's ongoing struggle to engage with political figures whose positions only partially align with religious doctrine. It's a challenge that's becoming increasingly complex in our polarized political landscape.As someone who's covered religious-political intersections for decades, I can't help but see this as a watershed moment. The Church's traditional approach of engaging with politicians despite disagreements on specific issues appears to be giving way to a more confrontational stance, particularly on abortion.The planned protest outside November's event – should it proceed – will likely draw national attention. But the real story here isn't about a single ceremony or protest. It's about how religious institutions navigate their relationships with political figures in an era of deepening ideological divisions.