Day: September 24, 2025

U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Illinois. / Credit: Public domain

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 24, 2025 / 18:08 pm (CNA).

Opposition is mounting against Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich’s decision to honor U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Illinois, with a “lifetime achievement award” for his work surrounding immigration policy despite his long pro-abortion voting record. 

Following Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois’ denunciation of the decision, additional bishops have followed suit in speaking out against the upcoming ceremony honoring Durbin, scheduled to take place in November. 

Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is among those criticizing Cupich’s plan, writing: “The Archdiocese of Chicago’s plan to give [Durbin] a Catholic ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ is untenable.” 

“Works of justice & protecting life are not mutually exclusive but must be inclusive,” Ricken continued, adding: “I join [Paprocki] & [Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone] in urging [Cupich] to retract this award. Let us together pray & act consistently for life!” 

Ricken’s statement comes on the heels of similar remarks by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, who spoke out against Cupich’s plan earlier this week. 

“I stand in solidarity with Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, in urging Cardinal Cupich to reconsider giving Senator Durbin a Lifetime Achievement Award through the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity given his long record of supporting legal abortion,” Cordileone wrote. 

“Bishop Paprocki, who is Senator Dick Durbin’s bishop, has expressed shock that the archdiocese plans to honor Senator Durbin who, although a self-professed Catholic, supports access to abortion so radically that he has even opposed legislation to protect babies born after an attempted abortion,” Cordileone continued. “Bishop Paprocki is correct that both clarity and unity are at risk. I hope this will be a clarion call to all members of the body of Christ to speak out to make clear the grave evil that is the taking of innocent human life.”

In a subsequent post, Cordileone added: “Imagine this: A prominent member of the U.S. Senate has a very strong record on defending the human dignity of life in the womb but also advocates for funding for Border Patrol agents to shoot people trying to enter the country illegally. Would anyone think it reasonable to honor such a senator for the senator’s pro-life record on abortion? No one who advocates for the direct, intentional killing of innocent human life should be honored. Period.”

“I pray for the good of the Church this award is not given to Senator Durbin and the scandal it will likely cause the faithful is avoided,” Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, chimed in on Tuesday, noting that he was also “shocked and bewildered” to learn of Cupich’s plan to honor Durbin. 

“The senator’s public record has been consistently pro-abortion and he has opposed any protections or safeguards for unborn children in the womb, even to the point of rejecting legislation to protect children who survive failed abortions,” Conley wrote. “That goes against the fundamental moral principles of the Catholic Church. It seems to me there is still time to reconsider this decision.”

Meanwhile, Bishop James Wall of Gallup, New Mexico, expressed his support for the position taken by Paprocki, thanking the Springfield bishop for his First Things op-ed in a social media post on Wednesday morning. Wall quoted St. John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae in a post linking to the article: “Man’s life comes from God; it is his gift, his image and imprint, a sharing in his breath of life. God therefore is the sole Lord of this life: Man cannot do with it as he wills.”

Cupich offered a defense of his decision in a Sept. 22 statement, writing: “I have remained faithful to the May 2021 instructions of the then-Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, advising bishops to ‘reach out to and engage in dialogue with Catholic politicians within their jurisdictions … as a means of understanding the nature of their positions and their comprehension of Catholic teaching.’”

“At the heart of the consistent ethic of life is the recognition that Catholic teaching on life and dignity cannot be reduced to a single issue, even an issue as important as abortion,” Cupich continued. 

Cupich emphasized that Durbin would be honored for his efforts to advance Catholic social teaching in immigration, care for the poor, Laudato Si’, and world peace.

“The recognition of his defense of immigrants at this moment, when they are subjected to terror and harm, is not something to be regretted but a reflection that the Lord stands profoundly with both immigrants who are in danger and those who work to protect them,” he said.

Durbin has been prohibited from receiving the Eucharist in what has been previously reported as his home Diocese of Springfield, Illinois — the state capital — since 2004 due to his pro-abortion voting record. In his statement, Cupich claimed that Durbin had transferred to the Archdiocese of Chicago “some years ago.” 

Prominent pro-life leaders have also weighed in. Live Action President Lila Rose condemned the plan to award Durbin, writing: “This is shameful. The blood of innocent children cries out.”

Students for Life President Kristan Hawkins also addressed Cupich in a post on Tuesday, asking the Chicago cardinal: “If a politician had spent decades voting against laws to stop the live dismemberment of African Americans, Jews, or other minority group in America, would you still give him a lifetime achievement award … citing his ‘good’ votes on other issues?”

“I don’t think so,” she said, adding: “You are treating preborn children as less than full persons.”

Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican during his weekly general audience on Sept. 24, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Sep 24, 2025 / 07:24 am (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV renewed the Holy See’s support for a two-state solution in the Holy Land and voiced concern over rising tensions in Ukraine, speaking with reporters Tuesday before returning from Castel Gandolfo to the Vatican.

“The Holy See has supported the two-state solution for many years,” the pope recalled, pointing out that the Vatican formally recognized Palestine in 2015 with the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement. “The Holy See recognized the two-state solution some time ago. That is clear: We must seek a path that respects all peoples.”

Asked whether broader international recognition of Palestine might help, he said: “It could help, but right now there is no real willingness to listen on the part of the other side; dialogue is broken.”

The pope confirmed that he had spoken by phone the same day with the Catholic parish in Gaza. “Thank God, the parish is fine, although the incursions are getting closer and closer… This afternoon I got in touch with them,” he said.

On Ukraine, he cautioned: “Someone is seeking an escalation. It’s getting more and more dangerous. I continue to insist on the need to lay down arms, halt military advances, and return to the negotiating table.” He stressed the importance of European unity, saying: “If Europe were truly united, I believe it could do a lot.”

Pressed on whether rearmament in Europe is necessary, the pope declined to weigh in directly: “These are political matters, also influenced by external pressure on Europe. I prefer not to comment.”

Regarding Vatican diplomacy, he explained: “We are in constant dialogue with ambassadors. We also try to speak with heads of state when they come, always seeking a solution.”

Rosary for peace in October

At his weekly general audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics around the world to dedicate October to praying the rosary for peace.

“Dear brothers and sisters, the month of October is now approaching, and in the Church it is dedicated in a special way to the holy rosary. Therefore, I invite everyone, every day of the coming month, to pray the rosary for peace: personally, in the family, in the community,” he said.

The pope asked Vatican employees to join in this prayer daily at 7 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica. He also announced that on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m., he will lead a rosary in St. Peter’s Square during the vigil for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, marking as well the anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

Catechesis: Christ descends to the depths

Continuing his catechesis for the Jubilee of 2025 on the theme “Jesus Christ Our Hope,” the pope reflected on the mystery of Holy Saturday and Christ’s descent into the realm of the dead.

“Today, again, we will look at the mystery of Holy Saturday. It is the day of the paschal mystery in which everything seems immobile and silent, while in reality an invisible action of salvation is being fulfilled: Christ descends into the realm of the dead to bring the news of the Resurrection to all those who were in the darkness and in the shadow of death,” he said.

“This event, which the liturgy and tradition have handed down to us, represents the most profound and radical gesture of God’s love for humanity,” the pope said. “Indeed, it is not enough to say or to believe that Jesus died for us: It is necessary to recognize that the fidelity of his love sought us out where we ourselves were lost, where only the power of a light capable of penetrating the realm of darkness can reach.”

He noted that Christ’s descent is not just a past event but one that touches every believer today: “The underworld is not only the condition of the dead but also of those who live death as a result of evil and sin. It is also the daily hell of loneliness, shame, abandonment, and the struggle of life. Christ enters into all these dark realities to bear witness to the love of the Father. Not to judge, but to set free. Not to blame, but to save.”

The pope concluded: “Dear brothers and sisters, to descend, for God, is not a defeat but the fulfillment of his love. It is not a failure but the way by which he shows that no place is too far away, no heart is too closed, no tomb too tightly sealed for his love. This consoles us, this sustains us. And if at times we seem to have hit rock bottom, let us remember: that is the place from which God is able to begin a new creation.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

 Father José Giner, 94, says Mass twice a day. / Credit: Father José Giner

ACI Prensa Staff, Sep 24, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

At age 94 and with seven decades of priesthood behind him, Catalan priest Father José Giner, who has lived in Ecuador for 70 years, said he doesn’t feel like a teacher but rather like a “disciple.”

“At this age, I don’t feel like a teacher at all: I’m still a disciple. I don’t want to be a ‘has-been priest’; that’s why I strive to keep up to date; I read a lot, and I ask young people to correct me,” he said in an interview with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.

Giner surprises many with his vitality: He starts the day with a cold shower, does exercises, plays pingpong, watches sports, reads, and spends time woodworking, where he creates religious art. And, most importantly, he said he celebrates Mass twice a day.

“I’m a very ordinary man, but with something wonderful: Christ, who is the true sun. I’m a poor 94-year-old man — that’s my true description. The essential thing is that I am a priest for eternity, and everything else is secondary. I believe the goal of life is to work for God and allow his goodness to penetrate us completely,” he said.

“I think very little about myself because I was always taught to value and appreciate others. With these values, I say, ‘Lord, I contribute very little,’ but what matters is what I can give as a priest,” he explained.

The priest, a member of Opus Dei who belongs to St. Josemaría Church in Guayaquil, also highlighted the fraternity he shares with his brother priests. In total, he has 15-20 priest friends, all from the apostolate, who meet frequently to read, play guitar, sing, and share lunch. He emphasized that it is an atmosphere of unity and fraternity.

The secret to his health

Giner said he exercises every day. “It’s important, and doctors always recommend it. Also — although it may seem funny — I have an electric skateboard. Sometimes I use it near my house; people laugh when they see me, and I say, ‘Bye, bye!’ because I’m so happy,” he shared with a laugh.

“I also read a lot. I have a very sharp mind and I like to read scientists, important authors, and also novelists. I never say ‘I’m tired’; on the contrary, I think you have to walk and move. Thanks to that, I feel very agile: I walk calmly, I move without problems. Sometimes my body aches — it’s natural — but I feel that God gives me the grace to stay on my feet. That’s the strength that sustains me,” he explained.

However, he said the most important thing in his daily life is celebrating Mass and praying: “I celebrate Mass every day, always. The most important thing is that I have tried to pray a lot. I have prayers to maintain my inner peace, and God has given me a very contemplative life. I spend all day talking to the Lord.”

The priest said that when he raises his gaze to heaven, he asks God: “Give me, Lord, your light: Give it to this neighborhood, to these girls and boys, to all who need it. Grant them the fire of the Holy Spirit, because that is what sets us on fire and gives us life.” 

“Everything else is fleeting, something external,” he added.

St. Josemaría Escrivá invited him to become a priest

Giner, originally from Barcelona, ​​Spain, arrived in Ecuador 70 years ago and considers it his spiritual home. “Sometimes I travel, but my life is here, in Guayaquil. I have worked in schools like Torremar, always in contact with young people. That has been a wonderful part of my life, because being with young people gives you special strength.”

His vocation emerged in adolescence, when he discovered Opus Dei. “At 17, I asked to be admitted to the [apostolate]. Later, in Rome, I had the grace of meeting St. Josemaría Escrivá personally and lived with him for three years. He was a true father to me, and that helped me to make that final gift of myself to my priestly vocation.”

It was St. Josemaría himself who asked Giner if he wanted to be a priest and told him it was “the greatest celebration a man can experience in this world.” For Giner, that call meant serving God and contributing to making the world a better place.

“Then I came to Ecuador, where I have served for so many years. I am a theologian, I completed all my studies, but beyond academic knowledge, the important thing is the wisdom to live the faith day by day,” he said.

Priests, ‘a country’s treasure’

For 25 years, Giner was a judicial vicar in Ecuador, an experience he said he values ​​for his accompaniment of other priests. “That has given me great inner peace, because I deeply love and value my brother priests. For me, they are ‘a country’s treasure.’ If there are no priests in a country, we are facing an immense catastrophe.”

What brings him the greatest joy when looking back on his life is knowing that in his 70 years of priesthood, “there have been so many people who have converted, so many people who have drawn closer to God… So many souls I have been able to accompany… And there are wonderful things that, I believe, remain between God and oneself.”

“They call me at any time, even if I’m having lunch or dinner, and I drop everything to hear a confession. Why? Because I believe that a soul is worth much more than anything we have around us. And that gives me great joy,” he added.

Message to the new generations

Amid his reflections, the priest had special words for young people. “I tell young people: Be faithful, because God gives you the grace.”

“I ask people, and especially priests, to be very faithful, very real, joyful, happy, and spiritual; to be steeped in the Bible and pedagogy, and to understand that they are a fundamental pillar of a country’s culture and tradition,” he noted.

Giner reiterated that if there were a lack of priests, the world would become “a dark, almost frozen place.” 

“That’s why I insist: The important thing is to be faithful. That fidelity is what sustains the Church and illuminates the world,” he said.

“The priesthood is forever: It brings joy, divine happiness, and, above all, a totally full life… People seek a full life; the priest embodies it because, in a certain sense, it is a participation in Christ, in the Holy Spirit; it is a vocation that lasts,” he added.

A critical moment for the Church

Giner said he believes a profound moral crisis began in 1968, symbolized by the Sorbonne University motto “It Is Forbidden to Forbid.” For him, the slogan paved the way for a cultural and spiritual decline that has deepened in recent decades.

“The change has been immense,” he said. “Young people today are often unpunctual, superficial, and lack a sense of responsibility. But I try to adapt to that world and, at the same time, elevate it.”

He emphasized that, despite the current challenges, he trusts in the Church’s fidelity: “God’s hands are not closed to his love or mercy. He continues to illuminate us like the golden rays of the sun.”

“Today we are at a critical moment for the Church, but it is also an opportunity that God gives us to draw closer to him. If there is anything that truly needs to be saved in the world, it is the Church and the peace of God. Everything else is fleeting, it goes away like smoke,” he said.

Regarding the future, he has confidence: “Many are afraid, but I say: ‘Why?’ Every century has had its own fears, but the future is in God’s hands. This gives fantastic sensibility and profound peace.”

Looking back and reflecting on his mission in life, he said: “Seventy years is like watching the leaves fall from a tree. You can’t stand still, because day by day God’s will is fulfilled.” 

He concluded: “The important thing, in the end, is to always seek the meaning of the life that God has given us.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.