Leo XIV has approved the 2026 Ratzinger Prize to American theologian John C. Cavadini, and will personally present it to him at the Apostolic Palace on December 19 later this year. The Ratzinger Prize is awarded by the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation with papal approval. It honors scholars distinguished for exceptional achievement in theological and academic research. No one can argue that Cavadini, who is a Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame and director of its McGrath Institute for Church Life, is not, at least by conventional academic standards, a credible recipient. He is also a well-known scholar of patristics, particularly St Augustine. Benedict himself personally appointed Cavadini to a five-year term on the International Theological Commission. He has also served for years as a consultant to the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine.

Originally published in Integrity Magazine. Read original article

Original Tags: News, Church History, Vatican, Benedict XVI, Latin Mass, Leo XIV, Liturgy, Notre Dame, Novus Ordo Missae, Spirituality, Summorum Pontificum