# American theologian wins 2026 Ratzinger Prize

> Notre Dame professor John Cavadini honored for groundbreaking work on St Augustine and the Church Fathers.
- Title: American theologian wins 2026 Ratzinger Prize · Vaticannews
- Summary: Notre Dame professor John Cavadini honored for groundbreaking work on St Augustine and the Church Fathers. Dr John Cavadini, a leading scholar of early…
- Keywords: john cavadini, ratzinger prize, notre dame, theology, st augustine, patristics, vatican, benedict xvi, joseph ratzinger, church fathers, religion, world
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-09/american-theologian-john-cavadini-receive-2026-ratzinger-prize.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-22T17:01:16.932+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: john cavadini, ratzinger prize, notre dame, theology, st augustine, patristics, vatican, benedict xvi, joseph ratzinger, church fathers, religion, world
## Notre Dame theologian wins Ratzinger Prize
Dr John Cavadini, Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, has been awarded the 2026 Ratzinger Prize for his scholarly work on the Church Fathers, particularly St Augustine.
## Award recognizes dual commitment
Cavadini has balanced academic excellence with pastoral work, serving as director of Notre Dame's McGrath Institute for Church Life while maintaining scholarly rigor in theological research.

> I have been able to live my vocation as both a man of the Church and a man of the academy.
## Expertise spans centuries of theology
Beyond his patristic specialization, Cavadini has written extensively on contemporary theology, including works on Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, demonstrating knowledge from ancient times to the 21st century.
## 32nd recipient of prestigious award
The Ratzinger Prize, awarded annually since 2011, recognizes scholarly achievement in theology, Scripture, philosophy, law, and the arts. Cavadini is the 32nd scholar to receive this honor.
## Pope Leo XIV presents award
Pope Leo XIV will personally present the prize to Cavadini on December 19 in the Apostolic Palace, following approval by the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation's Scientific Committee.
## Ratzinger centenary celebrations begin
Twenty twenty-seven marks the hundredth anniversary of Joseph Ratzinger's birth on April 16, 1927. The Foundation is organizing three major conferences across the US and Africa to commemorate his legacy.
## International symposiums planned
Three conferences will be held: November 2-4 in Minnesota on beauty and hope in Ratzinger's work, November 4-6 in Minnesota on Ratzinger's sources, and November 18-21 in Nairobi on Africa's role in Church renewal.
## Rome conference and St Peter's Mass
A major conference in Rome will involve multiple pontifical universities. On April 16, 2027, a grand Mass at St Peter's Basilica will mark the exact centenary of Ratzinger's birth, with concerts and liturgical celebrations throughout the year.
## Key takeaway

Dr John Cavadini, a leading scholar of early Christian theology and St Augustine, has been selected as the 2026 Ratzinger Prize recipient, recognizing his contributions to both academic and pastoral theology.