This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Sam Sawyer, S.J., president and editor in chief of America Magazine, to discuss the recent controversy surrounding Cardinal Blase Cupich’s decision to present Senator Dick Durbin with a “lifetime achievement award” for his work in defense of migrants, and the ensuing firestorm. Ashley, Zac and Sam discuss:

00:00 What we know about the controversy
3:22 What Pope Leo said about the controversy
5:47 Does this controversy serve the gospel, or the culture war on abortion?
8:25 Cardinal Cupich's decision to award Senator Durbin
12:11 The outrage of Cardinal Cupich's critics
17:48 Catholic politicians who support policies against church teaching
23:24 Is abortion "more important" than other moral issues?
29:52 Clarity is needed from the bishops
33:52 Faith sharing: How Robert Redford changed the lives of two Jesuits

Links for further reading:
Sen. Durbin declines lifetime achievement award after backlash for pro-choice position: https://www.americamagazine.org/news/2025/10/01/cardinal-cupich-sen-durbin-controversial-lifetime-achievement-award
Pope Leo weighs in on controversy over Cardinal Cupich giving Sen. Durbin immigration award: https://www.americamagazine.org/news/2025/09/30/pope-leo-sen-durbin-abortion-immigration-cupich
Chicago archdiocese’s plan to award Senator Durbin for immigration work meets pushback over abortion: https://www.americamagazine.org/news/2025/09/23/chicago-cupich-paprocki-durbin-immigration-abortion
Remembering Robert Redford and ‘Ordinary People,’ his devastating, nearly perfect film: https://www.americamagazine.org/film/2025/09/17/remembering-robert-redford-ordinary-people

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