Pope: To be against abortion but support death penalty is not pro-life

Screenshot

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo discussed a range of topics with journalists as he left Castelgandolfo on Tuesday.

One reporter asked him in English what he thought about the awarding of a prize to Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who supports legalised abortion, by Cardinal Blaise Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. "People are having a hard time understand this" she said.

Pope Leo replied: "I'm not very familiar with the particular case.. I think it is very important to look at the overall work a senator has done during, if I am not mistaken, 40 years of service in the United States Senate."

The Pontiff acknowledged the difficulties and tensions but emphasised that "it is important to consider many issues related to the teaching of the Church." He underlined that saying "I am against abortion" while supporting the death penalty is not truly pro-life, nor is agreeing with the inhumane treatment of immigrants in the United States.

"These are very complex issues. I do not know if anyone has the full truth on them, but I would first of all ask that there be greater mutual respect, and that together - as human beings, in that case as American citizens or citizens of Illinois, as well as Catholics - we say: 'We need to look closely at all these ethical issues and find the way forward as a Church.' Church teaching on each of these issues is very clear."

Watch the exchange here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpFWOfHY-ug&t=108s