Pope Leo XIV has intervened for the first time in an abortion dispute roiling the U.S. Catholic Church by raising the seeming contradiction over what it really means to be "pro-life." The plans drew objection from some conservative U.S. bishops given the powerful Democratic senator’s support for abortion rights. "Someone who says ‘I’m against abortion but says I am in favor of the death penalty’ is not really pro-life," Leo said. 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.