In a surprising turn of events, Pope Leo XIV has joined the fray of American political discourse, seemingly casting a thinly veiled critique at former President Donald Trump while simultaneously defending Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat whose pro-abortion stance has drawn ire from certain faith communities.
The topic arose during a press briefing when NBC’s Gabe Gutierrez posed a question to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt regarding the Pope’s recent remarks.
The pontiff implied that those who oppose abortion yet endorse what he termed the “inhumane treatment” of immigrants in the US cannot rightfully label themselves as “pro-life.”
Reporter:
“This has become a divisive topic with Cardinal Blase Cupich presenting an award to Senator Durbin. Many in faith communities struggle with this because he supports legalized abortion. How can you help them understand this situation, and what are your thoughts on it?”Pope Leo XIV:
“I am not intimately familiar with this particular case, but it is essential to assess a senator’s body of work over their decades-long service in the Senate. I acknowledge the tensions that arise; however, as I have mentioned before, we must examine a broad spectrum of issues related to the Church’s teachings.A person can claim to be against abortion while supporting the death penalty, and that raises questions about their “pro-life” credentials. Similarly, if someone opposes abortion yet endorses the inhumane treatment of immigrants, can they truly consider themselves pro-life?
These matters are intricate. I don’t believe anyone possesses absolute truth on these issues, but I urge respect and open dialogue amongst us—both as citizens of Illinois and as Catholics—to examine these ethical complexities and seek a way forward as a Church.
The Church’s teachings regarding these matters are unambiguous.”
Durbin was set to receive a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Archdiocese of Chicago for his efforts in immigration reform.
Gabe Gutierrez continued to press Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for her reaction to the Pope’s remarks, given her own vocal Catholic faith, during Wednesday’s briefing.
Gutierrez: “Senator Dick Durbin was supposed to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Church, which he later declined due to some controversy. Pope Leo commented that ‘someone who says I’m against abortion, but agrees with the inhumane treatment of immigrants in the US, I don’t know if that’s pro-life.’ As someone who has been open about your Catholic beliefs, how do you view that?”
Karoline Leavitt: “I would disagree with the characterization of inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants under this administration.
It’s important to note there was significant, inhumane treatment during the previous administration, where individuals faced trafficking, violence, and in some cases, death at our southern border.
Moreover, this administration is striving to enforce our nation’s laws humanely, ensuring the safety of citizens while upholding the law and acting in the best interest of those living here.”
WATCH:
NBC’s @GabeGutierrez: “Senator Dick Durbin — he was set to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Catholic Church but later declined it due to some controversy. Pope Leo commented on this, saying that ‘someone who claims opposition to abortion… pic.twitter.com/cUkGaRqUS6
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) October 1, 2025
