Pope Leo XIV Criticizes U.S. Politics, Says Opposing Abortion but Supporting Death Penalty Is “Not Truly Pro-Life”

Pope Leo XIV, in his first remarks on American politics since his election in May, has questioned the consistency of those who oppose abortion while supporting the death penalty or harsh immigration policies.

“Someone who says ‘I’m against abortion but I am in favor of the death penalty’ is not really pro-life,” the Chicago-born pontiff told reporters on Tuesday. “Someone who says, ‘I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States,’ I don’t know if that’s pro-life,” he added, according to CBS.

His comments followed controversy in Chicago after Cardinal Blase Cupich announced plans to honor U.S. Senator Dick Durbin with a lifetime achievement award for his work with immigrants. Some conservative bishops objected due to Durbin’s support for abortion rights. Hours later, Cupich said Durbin had declined the award.

The White House responded through press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who rejected the Pope’s criticism, insisting the administration enforces immigration law “in the most humane way possible.”

The Catholic Church opposes both abortion and the death penalty and has consistently called for humane treatment of migrants. Pope Leo urged Catholics and citizens to view these issues holistically, stressing the need for “greater respect for one another.”