Notre Dame Professor John Cavadini Selected as 2026 Ratzinger Prize Recipient
The annual theology award recognizes his scholarship on Augustine and decades of teaching and service at Notre Dame.
- On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Vatican announced that John Cavadini, a professor of patristic theology at the University of Notre Dame, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Ratzinger Prize.
- Established in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI, the award is often described as the "Nobel Prize of Theology"; the founder was previously known as Joseph Ratzinger before his election as pope.
- Father Roberto Regoli, president of the Ratzinger Foundation, said Cavadini is highly regarded for his "lifelong service to the Church," noting his two-decade tenure directing the McGrath Institute for Church Life.
- Pope Leo XIV will present the award to Cavadini in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on Dec. 19, following approval by the Scientific Committee of the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation.
- The Ratzinger Foundation has planned various initiatives across several continents this year, leading to the upcoming centenary of Pope Benedict's birth on April 16, 2027.
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National Catholic ReporterNotre Dame professor John Cavadini selected as 2026 Ratzinger Prize recipient
The Ratzinger Prize, described as the "Nobel Prize of Theology" and was established in 2011 by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI.
Vatican City, September 22, 2026 – Prof. John C. Cavadini of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana has been named the recipient of the 2026 Ratzinger Prize. The distinction...
National Catholic Register
Notre Dame Theologian John Cavadini to Receive 2026 Ratzinger Prize
Pope Leo XIV will present the award to Cavadini at the Vatican on Dec. 19.
This year, the American receives the award named after Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Leo presents him personally.
Leo XIV comes from the USA and often refers to St. Augustine. Now, one of the Pope's countrymen receives one of the most important theological awards in the Vatican. And this, too, is Augustine's expert.
The award, which is awarded to researchers who have distinguished themselves for special merits in the field of publication and scientific research, will be given by Leo XIV on December 19 at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. Cavadini is a professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame, specialized in patristic theology, with special attention to St. Augustine’s theology.
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