Ratzinger Prize

The Latest

​​Etsurō Sotoo is an enthusiastic advocate of the cause of canonization of Antoni Gaudí, known as “God's architect.”

Japanese sculptor, Notre Dame’s O’Regan to receive prestigious Ratzinger Prize

Sep 20, 2024

By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú

For the first time, a sculptor and native of Japan will be awarded the Ratzinger Prize. Read more

Pope Francis meets with Father Federico Lombardi, president of the Ratzinger Foundation and Vatican spokesman during Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate (left), and the 2023 Ratzinger Prize recipients Father Pablo Blanco Sarto (center) and Professor Francesc Torralba (right) at the Vatican on Nov. 30, 2023.

2023 Ratzinger Prize reflects on theological legacy of late Pope Benedict XVI

Dec 1, 2023

By Matthew Santucci

The Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation awarded its annual Ratzinger Prize this week to two Spaniards. Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

First Ratzinger Prize winners since Pope Benedict's death go to two Spanish theologians

Nov 10, 2023

By Matt McDonald

While Pope Francis ordinarily presents each award personally, this year the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, plans to... Read more

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI greet each other at the 65th priestly ordination of Pope Emeritus XVI at the Clementine Hall.

Pope Francis praises ‘fruitful’ theology of Benedict XVI

Dec 1, 2022

By AC Wimmer

Speaking at the 2022 Ratzinger Prize award ceremony, Francis said: “We all feel his spiritual presence and his accompaniment in... Read more

Credit: © L’Osservatore Romano

French Jesuit and American legal scholar win 2022 Ratzinger Prize

Oct 7, 2022

By AC Wimmer

A French Jesuit and an American legal scholar were named the recipients of this year’s Ratzinger prize on Friday. Read more

Benedict XVI meets with recipients of the Ratzinger Prize on Nov. 13, 2021.

Benedict XVI meets with recipients of the Ratzinger Prize

Nov 13, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The meeting lasted one hour and allowed each of the academics to discuss their work with the pope emeritus. Read more

Ratzinger Prize winners Ludger Schwienhorst-Schönberger, left, and Hanna-Barbara Gerl-Falkovitz.

Old Testament expert and philosopher from Germany win 2021 Ratzinger Prize

Oct 1, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis will present the award on Nov. 13. Read more

Professor Tracey Rowland, St John Paul II Chair in Theology at the University of Notre Dame (Australia).

Australian professor and French philosopher win Ratzinger Prize

Oct 2, 2020

An Australian professor and a French philosopher were named the winners of this year’s Ratzinger Prize Oct. 1.  Read more

2019 Ratzinger Prize winners with Pope Francis Nov. 9, 2019.

Theology in 'dialogue with cultures' renews humanity, Pope Francis says

Nov 9, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

When theology and philosophy engage with cultures in creative ways, they become a powerful tool for renewing humanity with the... Read more

Jesuit Fr. Paul Beré, winner of the Ratzinger Prize 2019

Burkina Faso Jesuit is the first African to win prestigious Ratzinger Prize

Oct 2, 2019

A Jesuit priest from Burkina Faso has made history as the first African to win the prestigious Ratzinger Prize, which... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience May 23, 2018.

Pope Francis: Include the Holy Spirit in art, theology

Nov 17, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

In the face of the difficulties of the modern-age, artists and theologians need the inspiration of the Holy Spirit –... Read more