Luminous and Emotional 23rd Vexillum – Giuseppe Sciacca International Awards Ceremony at the Vatican

The Fondazione Vexillum hosted the 23rd edition of the prestigious ‘Vexillum – Giuseppe Sciacca’ International Award with great solemnity on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Palazzo della Cancelleria within the Vatican. The event honored individuals whose work embodies the Christian and ethical values of Giuseppe Sciacca, a young man whose life was cut short but whose legacy endures. The ceremony brought together religious, political, and diplomatic figures from around the world. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke delivered the keynote address. Among the awardees were Hanne Biesmans (Belgium/Sweden), recognized for pioneering soft, injectable electrodes in neurological treatments; Lemana Spahic (Bosnia-Herzegovina), honored for her research in drug-coated balloons and AI in fetal ultrasounds; and Dr. Marianna Kapseatakis (Greece), celebrated for her innovative neuroscience research. Paul Fey (Germany) received the Music Award for his liturgical compositions and digital artistry. Special Jury Awards were presented to Professor Ivica Smojver (Croatia) for aircraft safety innovations, Professor Pierfrancesco Tassone (Italy) for blood cancer immunotherapies, Squadron Leader Davide Verdolini (Italy) for humanitarian efforts in Gaza, and Father Mario Pesce SJ (ad memoriam) for founding the ‘Gruppo India’ charity. Cardinal Angelo Comastri received the San José Sánchez del Río Cultural Award for bridging faith and culture through theology and writing. The evening’s highlight was Lorelai Alberta Mosnegutu (Romania), a young disabled artist who plays piano with her feet and won Romania’s Got Talent, receiving the Absolute Prize from Cardinal Burke in the presence of Romania’s Ambassador to the Holy See. Vicky Mpfatakē, Secretary-General of the award, emphasized how the honorees represent hope, innovation, and unity across science, art, and humanity. The jury praised the global impact of the awardees and highlighted the strong Greek delegation. Notable attendees included Dr. Linda Malkas, the Ruspoli princesses, business leaders, diplomats, and cultural figures. The event was supported by sponsors including Aegean, Poniros, Flex Car, and Labochem, with fashion contributions by Greek designers. The ceremony stood as a powerful testament to human potential, resilience, and cross-cultural collaboration.