Dear Faculty and Staff,
We are pleased to announce an exciting development at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. In recognition of Pope Benedict XVI’s profound impact on theology and education, the university is establishing the Benedict XVI Chair. This donor-funded position will be overseen by the Office of the President, and have connections to Academics as well as Character and Virtue.
This chair is named in honor of Joseph Ratzinger, who served as Pope Benedict XVI from 2005 to 2013 and made significant contributions to contemporary Catholic thought and scholarly research. Before his papacy, he was a passionate educator, a leading theologian, and the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he played a pivotal role in shaping modern Catholic theology.
The Benedict XVI Chair will be held by Pierluca Azzaro, Ph.D., executive secretary of the Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation.
The Benedict XVI Chair will serve several essential purposes:
- Explore the integration of faith and reason: Through symposiums, conversations, and engagement with faculty, staff, and students, Dr. Azzaro will share keen insight into Pope Benedict XVI’s thoughts and how they relate to a flourishing academic community.
- Foster dialogue and reflection: The chair will facilitate discussions on critical issues facing the Church and society, encouraging thoughtful engagement and reflection in line with Joseph Ratzinger’s/Benedict XVI’s intellectual thought.
- Enhance educational opportunities: As the inaugural chair, Dr. Azzaro will develop opportunities for students and faculty through internships and sabbaticals. Additionally, by attracting esteemed scholars and educators, this chair will enrich our academic programs and provide new learning opportunities for our students.
The Benedict XVI Chair Kickoff will occur Oct. 28–Nov. 1. RSVPs for the symposiums will be collected through this form.
This new chair will significantly benefit our university community and further our mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering our learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Additionally, this chair will raise Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s profile nationally and internationally as we are the first American university to officially partner with the Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation. We look forward to the opportunities this initiative will bring to the continued growth of our academic programs and the flourishing of our community.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever!
Darren Row and Sue Hines
Vice President for Academic Affairs | The College
Vice President for Academic Affairs | Minneapolis | Rochester | Online
