Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich is appointed to the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, the legislative body responsible for governing the Vatican’s civil administration
Newsroom (16/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, to the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, the legislative body responsible for governing the Vatican’s civil administration, according to a Holy See Bulletin released on October 15, 2025. The appointment elevates Cupich, a prominent figure in the progressive wing of the U.S. Catholic Church, to a significant role in Vatican governance, despite recent controversy surrounding his decision to honor U.S. Senator Dick Durbin with a lifetime achievement award.
The controversy, which erupted after Cupich announced that Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois known for his consistent support of legalized abortion, would receive a “Lifetime Achievement Award for support to immigrants” at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Keep Hope Alive celebration on November 5, 2025, drew sharp criticism from U.S. bishops and Catholic groups. Ten bishops, including Springfield, Illinois, Bishop Thomas Paprocki, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, and recently retired Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, publicly opposed the award, calling it a “source of scandal” due to Durbin’s pro-abortion voting record. Naumann stated, “Dialogue does not require giving awards to Catholic political leaders who disregard the most fundamental of human rights, the right to life of the unborn” (National Catholic Register).
In response to the backlash, Cardinal Cupich announced on September 30, 2025, that Durbin had declined the award, citing global criticism, including remarks from Pope Leo XIV and fellow bishops. Cupich defended his initial decision, referencing 2022 guidance from the then-Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which encouraged dialogue with Catholic politicians. However, he canceled scheduled meetings with the Catholic Conference of Illinois and a gathering of Illinois bishops amid the controversy .
Addressing the issue on October 1, 2025, at the papal villa of Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to consider Durbin’s record holistically, emphasizing the complexity of ethical issues. “I am not terribly familiar with the particular case,” the pontiff told reporters, responding to a question from EWTN News. “I think it’s important to look at the overall work that a senator has done during, if I’m not mistaken, in 40 years of service in the United States Senate.” He cautioned against a singular focus on abortion, stating, “Someone who says I’m against abortion but is in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life,” and called for respectful dialogue among Catholics and U.S. citizens to navigate such issues .
Cupich’s appointment to the Pontifical Commission, alongside Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, and confirmed members Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Cardinal Arthur Roche, Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, reflects Pope Leo XIV’s intent to balance geographical and pastoral priorities in Vatican governance. The commission approves laws, oversees administration, and ensures coordination between the Pope’s pastoral leadership and the Vatican’s civil operations.
The appointment underscores Cupich’s enduring influence within the Roman Curia, a role that began under Pope Francis and continues under Leo XIV. However, it may further inflame tensions within the U.S. Catholic community, given the recent Durbin controversy and Cupich’s polarizing reputation. The Holy See has not directly addressed the controversy in relation to his new role.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Holy See Bulletin
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