The prestigious prize is awarded every year to two scholars who stand out for their publications and scientific research in the field of theology, regardless of their religious identity. Launched in 2011, in recent years the prize has also been given to composers and artists who have contributed meaningfully the world of Christianity.
Candidates are submitted for final consideration to Pope Francis by the Scientific Committee of the Ratzinger Foundation. This year, Professor Joseph H. H. Weiler and Professor Michel Fédou will receive the prize.
An alumnus in the EUI Law Department, Professor Weiler defended his thesis on Supranational law and the supranational system: legal structure and political process in the European Community in 1982. He was President of the EUI from 2013 until 2016.
Professor Weiler is currently Jean Monnet Chair at New York University School of Law, Director of the Hauser Global Law School Program, and Professor at the College of Europe. He has published extensively in the areas of constitutional, international and European law, as well as human rights law. He is the author of books, chapter contributions, and papers published in renowned academic journals, and has intervened in high-profile cases.