MONTECASSINO ABBEY'S NEW PEACE PRIZE
The first beneficiary of the new International Peace Prize, the “Pax Nuntius” (Apostle of Peace) instituted by the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino (Lazio), is the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, for his efforts to promote dialogue and understanding between the three monotheistic religions in the Holy Land. The Cardinal will receive the prize at an official ceremony on the 10th June 2026.
The Abbey, where Benedict perfected his celebrated Rule governing monastic life, personified in the “Ora et Labora” (Work and Pray) adage, has also restyled its Museum, with new display arrangements of its many treasures that include archaeological remains found on site, papal tiaras and vestments, jewelled chalices and a tondo of the Sacred Family attributed to Botticelli. An additional new room chronicles the disastrous bombing and destruction of the Abbey in 1944 during World War II.
In February, a special four-day tribute was paid to Benedict's sister, Santa Scolastica, focussing on the importance of her role and that of women in general in the history of the Christian Church.
Info: Tel. +39.0776311529 (for guided tours: museo@abbaziamontecassino.org )
