Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, an eminent biblical scholar, theologian, humanist, and former President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, has been awarded the Per Artem ad Deum Medal 2026. The distinction honors a man who, for decades, has built bridges between the Church, culture, science, and the arts. 
Since 2005, the Per Artem ad Deum Medal has been presented to individuals and institutions whose artistic and intellectual achievements contribute to the development of culture and help shape the spiritual life of humanity. Associated with Sacroexpo – the International Exhibition of Church Construction and Furnishings, Sacred Art and Devotional Items – the award serves as a reminder that art, the spoken and written word, and beauty can lead people toward God.
This year’s laureate, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, has for decades been one of the most influential figures in the contemporary dialogue between the Church and the world of culture. Born in Merate, Italy, he holds a doctorate in biblical theology, is a specialist in the Hebrew language, the author of numerous publications on the Bible, and a renowned promoter of Sacred Scripture. Over the years, he served as Prefect of the Ambrosian Library and Art Gallery, taught biblical theology, and, from 1995 onward, was a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission.
A particularly important chapter in his life was his leadership of the Pontifical Council for Culture, which he headed from 2007 to 2022. Under his guidance, the idea of bringing together faith, art, and contemporary humanities flourished. Cardinal Ravasi personally presented the Per Artem ad Deum Medal at Sacroexpo in Kielce on two occasions: to Wojciech Kilar in 2009 and to Ennio Morricone in 2012.
In January 2025, Bishop Marian Florczyk and Dr. Andrzej Mochoń, President of the Management Board of Targi Kielce, met at the Vatican with Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education. A letter of intent signed during the meeting between Targi Kielce and the Dicastery confirmed the commitment to further developing artistic and cultural initiatives inspired by spiritual and religious values.
Honoring Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi with the Per Artem ad Deum Medal carries special significance. It is an expression of gratitude for his lifelong service to culture, for promoting the beauty of the Christian heritage, and for consistently reminding us that dialogue between faith and culture remains one of the most important missions of the contemporary Church.