Early this month, Catholics throughout the world were outraged upon learning that Pope Francis awarded abortion advocate Lilianne Ploumen with the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory, an honor traditionally conferred upon those who demonstrate outstanding service to the Holy See or to humanity. Ploumen, who boasted in a video broadcast that she had received a "high distinction from the Vatican" was granted the award in June 2017 when she assisted the Dutch Royals in their visit to the Holy Father.
In the wake of conservative backlash, the Vatican is not backing down from awarding Ploumen with the Pontifical honor, but is doubling down on the action. A Vatican official recently told NCR reporter Edward Pentin that this was "a very traditional procedure" for such a "historic occasion" and was really meant as a way of "honoring the king." If that's the case, why didn't the king get the award?