Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois has long positioned himself as a Catholic while simultaneously advancing policies that run contrary to Church teaching. His voting record includes support for legalized abortion, advocacy for same-sex marriage, and the probing of Catholic judicial nominees on their faith. The Catholic League’s Pressure CampaignThe Catholic League chose not to focus on Cupich, but directly on Durbin himself. The Catholic League commended the senator for ultimately declining the award. Pope Leo XIV’s Troubling ResponseWhile U.S. bishops and Catholic lay groups condemned Cupich’s plan, Pope Leo XIV appeared hesitant.