Pope Leo XIV to award 2026 Ratzinger Prize to John C. Cavadini

Pope Leo XIV will present the 2026 Ratzinger Prize to John C. Cavadini on December 19, 2026, at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. The Scientific Committee of the Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger – Benedict XVI selected Cavadini, who was then approved by the Pope.

Cavadini is a professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and previously served as director of the McGrath Institute for Church Life. His work involves teaching, research, and publishing in patristic theology, specifically regarding the theology of St. Augustine.

Roberto Regoli, president of the Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger – Benedict XVI, said Cavadini is respected for his academic expertise, the rigor of his theological publications, his university teaching, his pastoral passion, and his service to the Church.

Cavadini said the award recognizes his ability to live out his vocation as both a man of the Church and a man of academia. He noted that he has sought to follow the example of the third-century theologian Origen of Alexandria by striving to be a man of the Church.