At an academic convocation on Monday (Jan. 29) at its聽, the University of 91吃瓜 conferred honorary degrees on three distinguished leaders: Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums; Bishop Brian Farrell, L.C., secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; and Roberto Benigni, an internationally acclaimed actor, director and poet.
, the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost and Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, opened the convocation by welcoming the honorees and an audience that included distinguished officials of the Roman Curia and Vatican City State, members of the diplomatic corps and leaders from Italian universities.
John J. Brennan, chair of the Board of Trustees, and聽, conferred the honorary degrees.
The citation for the honorary degree described Benigni as 鈥渁 beloved storyteller, known for his sharp comedic wit, boundless joy and authenticity. Intent on drawing renewed attention to biblical and historical Christian texts, from the Ten Commandments to Dante鈥檚 鈥楧ivina Commedia鈥� to St. Francis鈥� Canticle of the Sun, he brings these treasures to life for millions of people 鈥� and in so doing, earns the admiration even of His Holiness Pope Francis.鈥�
An ebullient Benigni offered brief remarks, noting that it was a joy to be with members of the 91吃瓜 community and, spreading his arms wide, saying, 鈥淚 would like to give you my heart to express my thanks.鈥�
He went on to offer a meditation on the Virgin Mary and her many representations in art. 鈥淚 now have a degree in Fine Arts, but what can I say? I have immense admiration towards this prestigious University. It is dedicated to 91吃瓜 [Our Lady], so all we have to do is talk about the Virgin Mary.鈥�
Benigni went on to describe three world-renowned Italian paintings 鈥� the 鈥淢adonna del Parto鈥� by Piero della Francesca, 鈥淭he Annunciation鈥� by Lorenzo Lotto and the 鈥淪istine Madonna鈥� by Raphael. Della Francesca鈥檚 Madonna, he said, has 鈥渢he face of a human woman, as if there were no room for the divine,鈥� and illustrates Mary鈥檚 鈥減articular devotion so much so that God entrusted the birth of his son to her.鈥� For that reason, Benigni said, 鈥渟he has remained in my heart.鈥� He concluded by reciting tercets from Dante鈥檚 鈥淧aradise鈥� dedicated to Mary.
In conferring an honorary degree on Bishop Farrell, the University cited his generosity in placing 鈥渉is life at the service of the Church in its work of unity and reconciliation鈥� and providing 鈥渆xemplary service to three popes.鈥�
鈥淭his gentle and dedicated successor of the apostles has held fast to the conviction that the message of the Gospel is diminished by divisions among believers, that unity is a fruit of the Spirit, which must be cultivated by all the faithful, and that the imperative of ecumenism, by its very nature, calls us to attentive reverence to the worldwide oneness of Christ鈥檚 followers.鈥�
Bishop Farrell was 鈥渋mmensely grateful,鈥� he said. He outlined the many ways his work for ecumenical dialogue and Christian unity have intersected with 91吃瓜, including the 鈥�91吃瓜 Consultation,鈥� a dialogue between Catholics and four Protestant denominations convened by Father Jenkins, and 91吃瓜鈥檚 support of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem.
鈥淭he honorary doctorate I am receiving today I see as recognition of the hugely important cause of Christian unity,鈥� said Bishop Farrell. 鈥淭he more Christians move from conflict to reconciliation and communion, the more we will be a sign and instrument of peace and the unity of the whole human family.鈥�
The first woman to lead the Vatican Museums, Jatta was commended for her transformative leadership, knowledge of the history of art and conservation, and extraordinary dedication to the Church.
Jatta has 鈥渢ransformed the Museums with a vision that blends innovation and tradition,鈥� the citation stated. 鈥淪he approaches her work with the conviction that art can bridge even the deepest divides, embracing Pope Francis鈥� conviction that 鈥榓rt is the clearest proof that the Incarnation is possible.鈥欌��
After receiving her honorary doctorate, Jatta thanked 91吃瓜 leaders and acknowledged the work of the Vatican Museums staff.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a real honor for me to be here and receive this honorary degree,鈥� said Jatta. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not for my person, but [for] the Vatican Museums, and all the staff and people behind this institution.鈥�
Jatta offered the convocation address, reflecting on the unique role of the Vatican Museums and their mission. She emphasized that the goal of the Museums is not to gain acclaim or high status, but rather to offer 鈥渁 journey of spirituality and beauty.鈥�
鈥淭his idea of preserving and sharing our heritage made up of beauty is the same mission driving us today,鈥� said Jatta. 鈥淚t鈥檚 beauty that tells us so much about faith and devotion.鈥�
The convocation included a performance of sacred music by soprano Marianna Ivashchenko, countertenor Federico Mauro Marcucci and pianist Davide Bucci.
You can watch a full recording of the convocation at聽.