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Pope Leo XIV Honors Pro-Choice Politician, Sparking Catholic Controversy

Pope Leo XIV's progressive stance causes uproar among conservatives. His honour for Sen. Dick Durbin highlights the Church's role in politics and social issues.

In this picture we can see pillars on the right side, at the bottom there are some tiles, we can...
In this picture we can see pillars on the right side, at the bottom there are some tiles, we can see Christianity symbols on these pillars.

Pope Leo XIV Honors Pro-Choice Politician, Sparking Catholic Controversy

Pope Leo XIV, known for his progressive stance, has sparked controversy among conservative Catholics. The Pontiff planned to honour Sen. Dick Durbin, a pro-choice politician, causing uproar. Meanwhile, Leo XIV continues to address global issues like climate change and economic disparity.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, a close ally of Pope Leo, intended to give an award to Sen. Dick Durbin, a move that drew sharp criticism from conservative Catholics. Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, USA, publicly opposed the honour, citing Durbin's support for abortion rights, which contradicts Church teachings on the sanctity of life.

Pope Leo, like his predecessor Pope Francis, has faced criticism from conservative factions, including Matt Walsh and Jack Posobiec, since his election. Leo's participation in a climate conference and his defence of Sen. Durbin's 40 years of service have further disappointed these groups. Around 10 US bishops, including Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone and Bishop Thomas Paprocki, appointed by Donald Trump, publicly spoke out against the award.

Leo has adopted a less combative style than Pope Francis, aiming to avoid cultural wars and polarization. However, he is not afraid to face opposition when drawing lines on the Church's stance. Recently, he described Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's speech as 'worrying', further disappointing conservative Catholics.

Pope Leo's decision to honour Sen. Dick Durbin has highlighted the ongoing debate within the Catholic Church regarding its role in politics and social issues. Despite criticism, Leo continues to advocate for his views on climate change, economic disparity, and the treatment of immigrants, demonstrating his commitment to the Church's social teachings.

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