Notre Dame theologian John Cavadini wins Vatican's Ratzinger Prize

Pope Leo XIV will present the 2026 Ratzinger Prize to University of Notre Dame professor John C. Cavadini on Dec. 19 at the Apostolic Palace. The Vatican announced the selection on Sept. 22.

Cavadini is a theologian specializing in patristic theology, specifically the work of St. Augustine. He directed the McGrath Institute for Church Life from 2000 to 2026. In a statement, Cavadini said the award recognizes his ability to balance his vocation as an academic with his role as a man of the Church.

The Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation established the prize in 2011. Pope Leo XIV personally approved the Scientific Committee's choice of Cavadini. The Ratzinger Foundation is planning several events leading up to the centenary of Pope Benedict XVI's birth in April 2027, including a symposium at St. Mary's University of Minnesota from Nov. 2 to 4.