Cavadini recognized for patristic theology work with Ratzinger Prize
Notre Dame theologian John Cavadini wins the 2026 Ratzinger Prize for patristic scholarship.
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Ratzinger Prize 2026
Vatican announces University of Notre Dame theology professor John C. Cavadini as recipient of the 2026 Ratzinger Prize for Catholic theology. Award ceremony scheduled for December 19, 2026, at the Vatican, part of commemorative initiatives for Pope Benedict XVI's centenary in 2027.
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2026-09-23 to 2026-11-02 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 23 Sept, 01:57 UTC
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What happened
Ratzinger Prize established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011
The Ratzinger Prize, described as the 'Nobel Prize of Theology,' was established by Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) in 2011. The award is annually given to scholars who have distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements in publication and scientific research in fields including dogmatic and fundamental theology, sacred Scripture, patrology, philosophy, law, sociology, and the arts.
Ratzinger Foundation plans centenary initiatives for Pope Benedict's 100th birthday
The Ratzinger Foundation is organizing a series of initiatives across multiple continents in advance of the centenary of Pope Benedict XVI's birth on April 16, 2027. Events planned include a symposium at St. Mary's University of Minnesota from November 2-4, 2026, and 'The New Ressourcement' conference organized by Word on Fire from November 4-6, 2026.
John Cavadini specializes in patristic theology and St. Augustine
John C. Cavadini is a professor of patristic theology at the University of Notre Dame with a particular focus on the theology of St. Augustine. He has been affiliated with Notre Dame since 1990 and served as director of the McGrath Institute for Church Life from 2000 to 2026. His scholarly work includes published books on Augustine's theology and the theology of Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Leo XIV to present Ratzinger Prize to Cavadini on December 19
Pope Leo XIV will present the 2026 Ratzinger Prize to John Cavadini in a ceremony at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on December 19, 2026. The pope personally approved Cavadini's selection for the award.
Notre Dame claims most Ratzinger Prize winners among institutions
The University of Notre Dame has produced the most recipients of the Ratzinger Prize among any institution since the award's establishment in 2011. Cavadini will be the third Notre Dame faculty member to receive the award, following Cyril O'Regan (2024) and Jesuit Father Brian E. Daley (2012).
Vatican announces John Cavadini as 2026 Ratzinger Prize recipient
The Vatican announced on September 22, 2026, that University of Notre Dame professor John C. Cavadini has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Ratzinger Prize. The selection was approved by Pope Leo XIV and made by the Scientific Committee of the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation. Cavadini will receive the award at a ceremony in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on December 19, 2026.
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