On Dec. 12, Pope Leo XIV will present the Ratzinger Prize to Riccardo Muti, the longtime conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This award is often called the “Nobel Prize of Theology,” and was established in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI to recognize major contributions to theology, philosophy, and the arts. While usually reserved for theologians or scholars, the prize is also sometimes awarded to artists who have “elevated the Church’s intellectual and spiritual mission.” The Ratzinger Foundation has noted that Pope Benedict was a lifelong piano player, loved Mozart, and admired Muti’s musicianship. Pope Benedict and Muti had met several times and Muti has spoken of their friendship. Pope Leo XIV, who comes from Chicago, also has appreciation for Muti’s leadership at the Chicago Symphony.
Muti, like Pope Leo, has a passion for educating youth. In 2004 Muti established a youth orchestra and in 2015 an opera academy. Muti has conducted in many of the world’s most troubled areas in order to bring attention to civic and social issues using the Le Vie dell’Amicizia (The Roads of Friendship) project.
