Pope Leo XIV tackles U.S. politics, says those against abortion but for death penalty are “not really pro-life”

Pope Leo XIV, speaking for the first time on American politics since his election in May, has called out the contradiction of people who oppose abortion but support the death penalty or harsh treatment of immigrants.

“Someone who says ‘I’m against abortion but I am in favor of the death penalty’ is not really pro-life,” the Chicago-born Pope 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”, per CBS.

His comments came after controversy over Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich’s plan to give a lifetime achievement award to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin for his work with immigrants. Some conservative bishops objected because Durbin supports abortion rights. Hours later, Cupich announced Durbin had declined the award.

The White House responded through press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who rejected suggestions of “inhumane treatment” of immigrants, insisting the administration enforces the law “in the most humane way possible.”

The Catholic Church opposes both abortion and the death penalty and has long called for humane treatment of migrants. Pope Leo stressed the need for “greater respect for one another” while urging Catholics and citizens to look closely at all ethical issues together.

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