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.
The Ratzinger Prize is getting a whole currency these days: it is the second year that’s been bestowed on worthy scholars. What’s novel of me is that it’s not everyday that you get a prize for serious work from the man the prize is named after, and that he’s the Supreme Pontiff! The 2012 Ratzinger Prize was given to a French philosopher and American theologian on Saturday, October 20, 2012. Pope Benedict said that “Father Daley and Professor Brague are exemplary for the transmission of knowledge that unites science and wisdom, scientific rigor and passion for man, so that man might discover the [true] ‘art of living.'” Chris Altieri has the Vatican Radio report here.
