Riccardo Muti, the world-renowned conductor whose artistry has shaped orchestras from Milan to Chicago, will be honored at the Vatican this month when Pope Leo XIV presents him with the Ratzinger Prize — an award widely described as the “Nobel Prize of Theology.”
The prize, established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011, recognizes major contributions to theology, philosophy, and the arts. Though often given to theologians or scholars, the award periodically honors artists whose work elevates the Church’s intellectual and spiritual mission. This year, the Ratzinger Foundation said Muti’s “immense” artistic legacy and longstanding relationship with the late Pope Benedict XVI made him a natural choice.
Muti, born in Italy and long beloved by Chicago audiences, served for more than a decade as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra before becoming music director emeritus in 2023. He returned to conduct the ensemble this fall and will lead the orchestra on a California tour in January, according to WBEZ Chicago.
In its announcement, the Ratzinger Foundation highlighted Pope Benedict’s deep admiration for Muti’s musicianship. Pope Benedict, himself a lifelong piano player with a profound love for Mozart, met with the maestro several times. The foundation highlighted Muti’s “outstanding achievements” and the “cultural and spiritual understanding” he shared with the late German pope.
Muti reflected warmly on their relationship, saying in a statement quoted by WBEZ, an affiliate of Chicago Public Media,
“I have always followed and deeply admired Pope Benedict XVI, whose thoughts, reflections, and meditations have been and will be a source of nourishment for men and women of good will.”
He added that he and his wife “will cherish the memory of our last private meeting with [Pope] Benedict, filled with faith and hope.”
On Dec. 12, Pope Leo will present the award during a Christmas concert in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Muti will conduct the Cherubini Youth Orchestra and the Guidi Chigi Saracini Choir in Luigi Cherubini’s Messe pour le Couronnement de Charles X.
WBEZ reported that Jeff Alexander, president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, praised the Vatican’s selection, calling it “a very well-deserved honor for someone who has included in his musical activities so many projects for world peace, friendship, education and community engagement.”
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