Cardinal Cupich awards Nostra Aetate Award to Planned Parenthood donor

Cardinal Blase Cupich defended his decision to present the Nostra Aetate Award to philanthropist Michael Sacks during the Rerum Novarum Banquet on October 29. The award recognizes Sacks for his leadership and contributions to education, arts, and economic development.

Illinois Right to Life protested the award, accusing the archbishop of scandalizing the faithful. The group objected to Sacks receiving honors after donating more than $1 million to organizations that promote abortion access. These contributions include $500,000 to Planned Parenthood of Illinois between 2020 and 2022, and $600,000 to the Prairie State Access Fund in 2026 to support reproductive health services.

Cardinal Cupich stated the award is not an endorsement of every position a person holds. He explained that the Nostra Aetate Award, named after the Second Vatican Council document on relations with non-Christian religions, provides a framework to honor non-Christians even when they hold moral or political views contrary to Catholic teaching. He described Sacks as a respected leader in Chicago and the Jewish community.

Sacks is the CEO of GCM Grosvenor and a board member of the Obama Foundation. The banquet, presided over by Cardinal Cupich and Mundelein Seminary rector John Kartje, raises funds for the training of future priests.