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Pope Leo is drawing criticism from some U.S. Catholics over his consistent pro-life ethic, particularly after responding to questions about Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich’s plan to honor Senator Dick Durbin with a lifetime achievement award, despite Durbin’s support for abortion rights. While he said he was not familiar with all the details, Pope Leo expressed confidence in Cardinal Cupich’s judgment and emphasized that being truly “pro-life” means opposing not only abortion but also the death penalty and the “inhumane treatment of immigrants.” Senior Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell notes on “Inside the Vatican” that the pope’s “honeymoon period” appears to have ended as he speaks his mind on church teaching.

Also on the show: Pope Leo calls the Israel–Hamas ceasefire “a spark of hope,” Cardinal Cupich’s new Vatican appointment, upcoming synod gatherings and speculation about the pope using Duolingo to learn German at 3 a.m.

Pope Leo pleads for a just peace as cease-fire in Gaza holds
Pope Leo tells border bishop: The American church needs ‘to be united’ on migrationPope Leo is finding his voice on migration
Pope Leo ice blessing sets off social media meltdown

Credits

Producers: Colleen Dulle and Ricardo da Silva, S.J.
Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes
Audio and video engineering: Kevin Christopher Robles
Production assistance: Will Gualtiere
Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media.

Each week, Colleen Dulle goes behind the headlines of the biggest Vatican news stories with America’s Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell. They'll break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way. Colleen and Gerard will give you the inside scoop on what people inside the Vatican are thinking, saying—and planning.

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