Benedict XVI is passionate about music as a means to know and understand God. For this reason, the great theological prize that bears his name has awarded the work of Orthodox musician, Arvo Pärt, born in Estonia 82 years ago.
Federico Lombardi, who chairs the Ratzinger Foundation and was Benedict's spokesman, explained the jury's decision.
The Vatican presented the names of the two other winners: Lutheran Dr. Theodor Dieter, who worked on the joint statement between Catholics and Lutherans on the doctrine of justification; and Catholic Karl-Heinz Menke, one of the great experts on Benedict XVI's theological workings.
The prizes will be presented in a ceremony in Rome on November 18, where Pope Francis will probably participate.
