"All award is a shared merit, it transcends the person himself", said the professor of the School of Theology of the University of Navarra, Pablo Blanco Sarto, after learning that he has been distinguished with the award Ratzinger of Theology 2023. A recognition that he shares with the philosopher and theologian Francesc Torralba, of the Ramon Llul University.

For Professor Blanco, "it is a award to all theology in language Spanish or Castilian, which has given such good fruits throughout the centuries". Likewise, he assures that "it is a recognition to the School of Theology of our University -this is already a relevant fact: a university with Schools ecclesiastical-, and to all those who have preceded me and from whom I have learned so much". In this sense, he recalled the death a day before of Professor Antonio Aranda: "To him and to all those who promoted the School of Theology in the first decades, goes this award".

The award Ratzinger of Theology is a award awarded annually by the Joseph Ratzinger-BenedictXVI Vatican Foundation to one or more "academics who have distinguished themselves for particular merits in publications and/or scientific research", as stated in the Statutes. On this occasion it will be presented by the Cardinal Secretary of State of His Holiness, Pietro Parolin, on Thursday, November 30 at the Vatican.

28 researchers recognized since 2011

With this edition, there are now 28 personalities who have received the award Ratzinger from 2011 until today, coming from 16 different countries: Germany (7), France (4), Italy (2), Australia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Estonia, Greece, England, Lebanon, Poland, Spain (3), United States, South Africa and Switzerland. The winners of the award are not only Catholics, but also belong to other Christian confessions: an Anglican, a Lutheran and two Orthodox, and now also one of the Jewish religion.

Pablo Blanco Sarto was born on July 12, 1964 in Zaragoza. He studied Hispanic Philology at the University of Navarra and finished his programs of study in Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Rome), where he also defended the doctorate in Philosophy. He was ordained a priest on September 21, 1997.

In 2005 he completed his doctorate in Dogmatic Theology at the University of Navarra, with a study on the fundamental theology and religions of Joseph Ratzinger, and is currently Senior Associate Professor of the School of Theology in the areas of ecumenism, sacramental theology and ministry. He is also Adjunct Professor of the Institute Core Curriculum of the academic center and the Master's Degree in Christianity and Contemporary Culture at the University of Navarra, Madrid.in Madrid.

Professor Blanco is the author of numerous works on Joseph Ratzinger, including Benedict XVI. The Biography; Joseph Ratzinger. A Biography; Benedict XVI, the Theologian Pope; Joseph Ratzinger. Life and Theology; Benedict XVI and the Second Vatican Council; and The Theology of Joseph Ratzinger.