The "Ratzinger Prize" is also known as the "Nobel of Theology." The Prize is sponsored by the Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) Vatican Foundation, whose aim is to "promote the publication, distribution and study of the writings of former university professor Joseph Ratzinger." The Prize, though, recognizes excellence in theological study and teaching and not the echoing Ratzinger's thought. Vatican Radio explains more here.
In 2010, the Holy Father established, in consultation with other, a Prize in Theology noting three areas: Sacred Scripture, Patristics and Fundamental Theology.
2012
- Rémi Brague, Professor emeritus of medieval and Arabic philosophy, University Panthéon-Sorbonne (Paris I) and professor of Philosophy of the European religions (Romano Guardini Chair), Ludwig- Maximilian University
- Father Brian E. Daley, SJ, Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame
2011
- Professor Dr. Manlio Simonetti, Professor of Ancient Christian Studies and Patristic Biblical Interpretation, La Sapienza University
- Father Dr. Olegario González de Cardedal, Professor of Dogmatic and Fundamental Theology, Pontifical University of Salamanca
- Father Dr. Maximilian Heim, OCist, Abbot of Heiligenkreuz Monastery, Austria, Professor of Dogmatic and Fundamental Theology, University of Heiligenkreuz.
The Ratzinger Prize will be conferred on Brague and Daley on 20 October 2012, during the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization.
I am delighted that Father Brian won the prize not merely because I know him (lived with him when I was in studies at Notre Dame) but he is a generous man, a faithful priest, and terrific scholar and teacher.
Father Brian is a New York Province Jesuit, studied at Fordham, Frankfurt and Osford, and he is an avid runner.
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