ND theology professor honored by Pope

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - A University of Notre Dame theology professor has been named one of two recipients of the 2012 Ratzinger Prize in Theology from Pope Benedict XVI.

The award to the Rev. Brian Daley is sponsored by The Joseph Ratzinger Vatican Foundation, named after the pope. The award honors scholarship in scripture, the early leaders of Christianity and fundamental theology.

Cardinal Camillo Ruini of the Ratzinger Foundation praises Daley as a great historian who's committed to the life and mission of the Catholic Church.

Daley is a Jesuit priest who joined the Notre Dame faculty in 1996. His teaching and research focuses on first- through eighth-century Christian thinkers.

Notre Dame says Daley is to receive the award from the pope during an Oct. 20 ceremony in Rome.