U.S. bishops have historically opposed the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including suing over refugee funding cuts and ending refugee resettlement partnerships, adding another layer to the current political tensions.

The upcoming award ceremony is scheduled for November 3 at the Keep Hope Alive Benefit 2025, which supports Chicago’s immigration ministry, highlighting the event’s focus on immigration issues amid the controversy.

U.S. bishops, including Naumann, continue to emphasize the importance of protecting unborn children as a fundamental human right, citing Catholic doctrine that condemns abortion as morally evil from the first century.

A Catholic bishop's decision to honor U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has sparked controversy within the Church, reigniting debates over honoring politicians who support abortion rights, despite official Church teachings emphasizing the sanctity of human life.

This controversy occurs amid broader political and legal developments, including federal court orders to preserve FEMA grants, legal challenges over insurance payouts, and discussions about deploying the National Guard in Illinois, with public opinion divided.

The debate is further complicated by ongoing immigration enforcement actions by the Trump administration in Chicago, which intersect with church teachings and have drawn criticism from local political figures and the Illinois GOP.

The controversy has prompted multiple bishops to publicly comment, indicating it has become a significant issue within the church community, with some calling for the reconsideration of the honor.

Several bishops, including ten, have publicly condemned the honor, with notable figures like Archbishop Naumann calling it a scandal and urging reconsideration, while others remain silent or support the decision.

The controversy is set against a backdrop of broader church debates, including criticisms of doctrinal erosion, liturgical abuses, and doctrinal stances on social issues, with figures like Mother Angelica condemning certain portrayals of Jesus.

In response to the controversy, the Archdiocese of Chicago canceled meetings planned to discuss or oppose the award, with some critics viewing this as an attempt to avoid controversy, while Cupich claims the cancellations were due to lack of quorum.

Bishop Paprocki emphasized that church unity depends on adherence to doctrine and that speaking out against actions contrary to Church principles is essential for maintaining integrity.

In response, pro-life groups such as Right to Life of Illinois and CatholicVote are planning peaceful protests on November 3 to oppose the award and pressure church leaders, including Cardinal Cupich, to reverse the decision.