The Saint John Paul II Vatican Foundation: Honoring a Legacy
The John Paul II Vatican Foundation, established by decree on October 16, 1981, has a unique mission to promote Christian culture, evangelical values, and provide aid to students from the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe. This non-profit ecclesiastical organization is dedicated to furthering educational, scientific, cultural, religious, and charitable initiatives inspired by the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
Under the leadership of Archbishop of Krakow, Mons. Marek Jędraszewski, and President of the Board of Directors, Mons. Paweł Ptasznik, the Foundation has continued to expand its impact globally. One of its recent initiatives is the establishment of the prestigious Saint John Paul II Prize.
The Saint John Paul II Prize: Honoring Inspiring Contributions
Created on February 7, 2023, the Saint John Paul II Prize recognizes individuals, organizations, or initiatives that embody the teachings and inspiration of Saint John Paul II in their work, contributing to the promotion of his legacy. The inaugural winner of this esteemed award is the John Paul Center for Justice and Peace II in Uganda, a remarkable organization dedicated to promoting the social doctrine of the Church.
Save the Date: Award Ceremony Details
The award ceremony for the Saint John Paul II Prize will be held on May 22, 2024, in the Vatican’s Sala Regia at 5 p.m. Card. Kurt Koch will present the award to the John Paul II Justice and Peace Center, with Card. Pietro Parolin delivering a speech highlighting Saint John Paul II’s impact on Catholic social teaching.
Furthermore, the Foundation has collaborated with academic institutions to organize the John Paul II Days, celebrating the legacy of the beloved Pope. The upcoming “John Paul II Conference at the Pontifical Universities of Rome” will focus on the theme “Faith and reason in the thought of John Paul II,” featuring lectures, debates, and cultural events.
University students in Rome are invited to participate in a writing competition, submitting articles related to the conference theme or Saint John Paul II’s teachings. The top three entries will be awarded cash prizes and a trip to Poland in April 2025.
