“Someone who says ‘I’m against abortion but says I am in favor of the death penalty’ is not really pro-life,” Leo said. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Pope Leo XIV waves as he arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Oct.1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Show Caption 1 of 3 Pope Leo XIV holds his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Oct.1, 2025. Responding to a question in English from the U.S. Catholic broadcaster EWTN News, he said there were many ethical issues that constitute the teaching of the Catholic Church. Cupich was a close adviser to Pope Francis, who strongly upheld church teaching opposing abortion but also criticized the politicizing of the abortion debate by U.S. bishops.