Press Advisory

Fr. Frank Pavone, Co-Founder of the International Pro-life organization, Priests for Life, has been chosen by The Franciscan University of Steubenville, to receive the honorary degree, "Doctor of Christian Letters," at a ceremony to take place at the university on Saturday, May 11, 2002.

Among others being honored at Steubenville that day will be Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., who will receive an honorary Doctorate of Sacred Theology.

Anthony DeStefano, Executive Director of Priests for Life, said, "It is very significant that one of the foremost Catholic Universities in the United States is honoring one of the foremost pro-life leaders in the country. This stands in significant contrast so some Catholic educational institutions which have demonstrated very poor judgment in the past by allowing well-known pro-abortion politicians to speak on their campuses. Fr. Frank is one of the greatest defenders of innocent human life that America has ever known; we are extremely grateful to Steubenville for honoring him, and by extension, the entire pro-life movement."

Fr. Pavone's remarks at the ceremony are expected to contain an urgent nationwide call for graduates and other professionals to devote themselves full-time to ending the abortion tragedy.

WHO: Fr. Frank Pavone, Co-Founder, Priests for Life

WHAT: Awarding of Honorary Degree - Doctor of Christian Letters

WHERE: Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio Finnegan Fieldhouse

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 2002

11:30am (Reception immediately following)