(2/26/10)  On March 11, Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS) in Ohio plans to bestow its Poverello Medal upon former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum and his wife Karen for their “outstanding pro-life and pro-family witness as Catholics in public life.”  FUS President Fr. Terrence Henry, TOR, said that Senator Santorum and his wife “have dedicated themselves to the pro-life cause, standing up for the sanctity and dignity of the human person in their professional and personal lives.  They are pro-life heroes and Franciscan University is happy to honor them, especially during this time of increasing attacks on the weakest and most vulnerable in our society.  Their witness as a pro-life couple inspires us all to keep fighting the good fight.”  The Poverello Medal is the highest non-academic honor awarded by FUS, commemorating organizations and individuals who have imitated St. Francis in their love and service of the poor.  Blessed Teresa of Calcutta is a past recipient of the medal.  Franciscan University is featured in The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College, now a free online resource, for its strong Catholic identity.  Source Franciscan University of Steubenville