Vatican selects John C. Cavadini as 2026 Ratzinger Prize recipient

The Vatican announced Sept. 22 that University of Notre Dame professor John C. Cavadini will receive the 2026 Ratzinger Prize. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to present the award to Cavadini at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Dec. 19.

The pope approved the selection made by the Scientific Committee of the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation. Cavadini specializes in patristic theology, specifically the theology of St. Augustine, and directed the McGrath Institute for Church Life from 2000 to 2026.

In a statement, Cavadini said the award recognizes his vocation as both a man of the Church and a man of academia. The Ratzinger Prize was established in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI.