Daily Catholic News – October 1, 2025

In today’s Catholic news, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, has decided to decline an award from the Archdiocese of Chicago. This decision comes after a global backlash over his pro-abortion views. The Senator’s stance on abortion has been a contentious issue within the Catholic community, leading to widespread criticism and ultimately, his decision to refuse the award.

In other news, Cardinal Robert McElroy is urging solidarity with immigrants who lack legal status. The Cardinal, known for his compassionate views, delivered his first homily as the shepherd of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. His call for empathy and understanding towards immigrants is a reflection of the Church’s teachings on the dignity of all human beings.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern over U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s talk of war. The Pope described Hegseth’s rhetoric as ‘worrying’, highlighting the Catholic Church’s longstanding commitment to peace and diplomacy. The Pope’s comments underscore the Church’s position against war and its devastating effects on humanity.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has issued a strong message to catechists. He emphasized that if their faith isn’t meaningful to them, it won’t be to their students. The Cardinal’s statement underscores the importance of personal conviction in the teaching and transmission of faith.

Finally, Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan is calling on the faithful to lobby against New York’s assisted suicide legislation. The Bishop’s call to action reflects the Catholic Church’s firm stance on the sanctity of life, opposing any form of assisted suicide. This move is part of the Church’s broader efforts to uphold the dignity of life at all stages.