September 28, 2012. (Romereports.com) The winners of the so called Ratzinger prize have been announced. They include American Jesuit priest, Brian Daley, who is a Notre Dame professor, and also French philosopher Remi Brague.  The award is considered the 'Nobel' of Theology.

The winners will personally receive the award from the Pope on October 20th.  Last year, the award was given to three theologians: Italian Manlio Simonetti,  Olegario Fernandez de Gardedal from Spain and Maximilian Heim of Germany.

Brague, is a professor emeritus at the Sorbonne in Paris. The 65 year old is married and has four children. Currently, he holds the 'Romano Guardini' Chair. He has taught courses in the U.S., Munich, Milan and at the University of Navarra, Spain.

CARD. CAMILLO RUINI
“From my point of view Rémi Brague is a true philosopher and also a great historian of thought and culture. He brings theory and history and ties them together with the Christian and Catholic faith, deeply and without reservation.”

The other winner, theologian Brian Daley is 72 years old. He has done extensive research on dogmatic theology, by delving in the writings of the Church Fathers. For 18 years he has taught theology at Cambridge, Massachusetts and the University of Notre Dame.

CARD. CAMILLO RUINI
“Brian E. Daley is, therefore, a great historian of patristic theology, but also a man who is totally committed to the mission of the Church, so his exemplary scientific rigor meets his passion for the Gospel.”

This award is given by the Joseph Ratzinger Vatican Foundation, which recognizes the careers and scientific contributions of theologians. Aside from the recognition, each winner also receives 50,000 euros. Interestingly, organizers say future winners could include non Catholic theologians.


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