Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin has turned down an award that was set to be given to him at an Archdiocese of Chicago reception in November, Cardinal Blase Cupich said in a statement Tuesday.

The award was intended to recognize Durbin, who is Catholic, for his work on immigration reform and support for immigrants. But since the award’s announcement, the senator and the archdiocese have come under fire from Catholic and anti-abortion leaders and groups over Durbin’s support for legal abortion.

“While I am saddened by this news, I respect his decision,” Cupich said in the statement.

“But I want to make clear that the decision to present him an award was specifically in recognition of his singular contribution to immigration reform and his unwavering support of immigrants, which is so needed in

See Full Page