Today, 7 September 2026, the Chapter of the Vatican Prize “Premio San Giovanni Paolo II”, which since 2024 has been awarded by our Foundation on behalf of the Holy See, convened at the Foundation’s headquarters.
From among several candidates, the members of the Chapter chose the laureate of the upcoming edition. The date of the official gala and the name of the winner of the third edition will be announced after approval by the Vatican.
The meeting was attended by the members of the Prize Chapter: Cardinal Kurt Koch; Sr. Prof. Helen Alford OP and Fr. Prof. Michał Paluch OP from the Angelicum; Prof. Daniel Arasa from Santa Croce; Prof. Michaela Hastetter from ITI Trumau; Prof. Roberto Morozzo della Rocca from Roma Tre; Prof. Hanna Suchocka – former Prime Minister of Poland and Ambassador to the Holy See; Msgr. Paweł Ptasznik – Chairman of our Foundation; as well as Fr. Prof. Andrzej Dobrzyński – initiator and coordinator of the Prize, former director of the Center for Documentation and Research of the Pontificate of John Paul II in Rome, run by our Foundation. The remaining members of the Chapter participated online.
Also present were: Msgr. Dariusz Giers – Administrator of the Foundation; Fr. Michał Grzesiak – the new Director of the Pontificate Center; and Fr. Tomasz Podlewski – Director of the Media and Events Office of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation.
The “Premio San Giovanni Paolo II” Prize was established by the John Paul II Vatican Foundation to highlight and support individuals and institutions whose scientific, cultural, and social work embodies the values present in the teaching of St. John Paul II. By awarding the prize, the Foundation not only recognizes specific achievements but also showcases people and initiatives whose work demonstrates that the thought of the Polish Pope remains a living inspiration for the contemporary world.
The laureate of the first edition was the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre in Uganda, founded in 2007 as a response to the encyclical Ecclesia in Africa. The institution combats social problems such as poverty, human rights violations, inequality, and violence against women and children. Last year’s laureate was Archbishop Jacques Mourad of Syria, who was kidnapped, tortured, and miraculously saved from ISIS. Inspired by the spirit of interreligious encounter promoted by John Paul II in Assisi, he has long undertaken courageous efforts to foster peace between Christians and Muslims.
More information about the Prize, its laureates, and the members of the Chapter can be found here.
