The Dutch politician Lilliane Ploumen has been made a Dame in the pontifical Order of St Gregory the Great.Ploumen confirmed the award in an email to the Catholic Herald, saying that she was “very honoured” by the pontifical medal, which was sent via the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs last month.It is not known whether the Pope was aware of the decision.Ploumen, a senior Labour party figure who served as Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation until last year, has been criticised for her record on life issues.Last year she launched an international campaign to support abortion after the...