On 20 October 2012, the Pope presented the Ratzinger Prize for Theology to two eminent scholars: American Jesuit Brian Daley, Professor of Patristics at Notre Dame University, and French scholar Rémi Brague, a philosopher and historian of cultural thought.
“Father Daley and Professor Brague,” said Pope Benedict, “are exemplary for the transmission of knowledge that unites science and wisdom.” Recognition of the two scholars clearly showed the Church’s openness toward new paths of dialogue and a new evangelization in which scientific rigor and passion, enlightened faith and ecumenism, can be used so that human beings might discover the true “art of living.”
The Synod Fathers also participated in the award ceremony.