On October 18th, in the presence of distinguished guests — including cardinals, bishops, and ambassadors — the second occasion of the John Paul II Award ceremony took place. 

This prestigious event was held in the magnificent Sala Regia of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. 

Established in 2024 by the Vatican Foundation of John Paul II, the award reflects the Foundation’s mission, pursued since 1981, to promote science, culture, charitable initiatives, and a deeper understanding of St. John Paul II’s thought, legacy, and impact on the life of the Church. 

Archbishop Jacques Mourad, Syrian Catholic Metropolitan of Homs, the winner of this year’s edition, was kidnapped in 2015 by ISIS terrorists and tortured to make him renounce his faith. The archbishop was even subjected to a staged execution, yet he endured five months of captivity without denying Christ. 

“At this moment, the path to dialogue is a necessity in Syria, in our community,” Archbishop Mourad explains, “and therefore this award encourages all of us to remind Syrian Christians of their responsibility for dialogue, so on this occasion, I would like to thank the Catholic Church and especially the Foundation of Pope John Paul II for reminding us that the Church in Syria is in the heart of the Catholic Church, and we hope that we can live up to the responsibility of this time.” 

Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and chair of the award committee, underlined the reasons for which the Syrian Archbishop was awarded with this prize: his witness of faith, Christian love, interreligious dialogue, and his dedication to peace and reconciliation. 

Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio in Syria since 2008, adds, “It is a well-deserved award for the graduate, Archbishop Jacques Mourad, but it is also an award given to Syria. So, let’s not forget Syria, I would say. This is also good for Syria, to remember Syria, a recognition of His Excellency Monsignor Jacques Mourad and a recognition of so many Christians, so many people who have suffered in Syria.”

With the award given in the hand of archbishop Mourad, the John Paul II prize aims to strengthen hope in the hearts of the Syrian people, who have endured years of suffering. That hope, especially during this Holy year, should remain a guiding light in the road to peace.

Adapted by Jacob Stein. Produced by Alexey Gotovsky; Camera by Gianpiero Passalia; Video Edited by Andrea Manna