(Credit: © Todd Rosenberg)

Riccardo Muti has received the Ratzinger Prize.

The prize, which was established in 2011 and awarded annually with the Pope’s approval by the Joseph Ratzinger — Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation, the Ratzinger Prize recognizes those who have made significant contributions in the fields of Christian-inspired culture and art.

Muti was awarded the prize during a Christmas concert given in the Pope’s honor at the Vatican. During the evening, Muti performed Cherubini’s Mass for the Coronation of Charles X, featuring the Guido Chigi Saracini Choir of the Cathedral of Siena and the Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra.

In a statement, the Foundation wrote, “The immense value of Maestro Muti’s art is universally recognized, and even Benedict XVI considered himself a sincere admirer. For his part, the Maestro reciprocated this esteem with repeated personal displays of attention and affection, even when Pope Benedict, after his resignation, was at the ‘Mater Ecclesiae’ Monastery.”

Muti added, “I have always followed and deeply admired Pope Benedict XVI, whose thoughts, reflections, and meditations have been and will continue to be a source of [spiritual] nourishment for men and women of goodwill. For [Pope Leo XIV], the Augustinian Pope, who is from Chicago, I will present myself as music director emeritus of the Chicago Symphony and perhaps we will talk about this city with shared enthusiasm. I think we may come to a harmonious understanding of the words of St. Augustine, who said ‘cantare amantis est, singing belongs to one who loves.’”

Muti served as the 10th music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 2010 to 2023 and has conducted at many of the world’s most important opera houses.

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