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Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a particular honor for me to welcome you all today to the presentation of the Benedict Prize of Mönchengladbach. We are delighted with this year’s laureate, former Federal President Joachim Gauck. We are very pleased by the presence and the laudatory speech of the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia and Member of the State Parliament, Mr. Hendrik Wüst. Along with those mentioned, please also welcome the Lord Mayor of the City of Mönchengladbach, Mr. Felix Heinrichs, the Members of the State Parliament Jochen Klenner and Vanessa Odermatt, as well as the Mayors Yolanda Hoogtanders from Roermond, and Josephine Gauselmann, Petra Heinen-Dauber, and Hajo Siemes from Mönchengladbach.
Saint Benedict of Nursia, after whom this prize—awarded in cooperation with the City of Mönchengladbach—is named, is not only considered the first patron saint of Europe but also, with his goal of harmonizing faith and reason, stands as a symbol for the power of building bridges—between people, ideas, and cultures. In a time of change and uncertainty, he created the foundation for a successful community, for dialogue, and for understanding in the spirit of Benedictine rules. His vision of unity in diversity is more relevant today than ever.
Distinguished Federal President Gauck, you have always championed justice, freedom, and democracy and have—even in the present day—repeatedly raised awareness of the great asset of freedom, while emphasizing its link to responsibility: freedom is only possible when responsibility is assumed.
Particularly in these times of crisis that unsettle many people, your frequent public statements are to be highlighted: you provide clarity, confidence, and courage—as an independent, experienced voice, level-headed and close to the people. With your stance, which is based on the Christian foundation of values of our liberal democracy, and with your clear eye for right and wrong, you aim to instill trust in the strength of our democracy through positive messages and provide orientation regarding the future viability of our society. You always do so with great persuasiveness and broad resonance.
Highly esteemed Mr. Gauck, your life’s work and your voice for freedom, reconciliation, and humanity embody these very values. You have understood how to build bridges not only between East and West but also between hearts and convictions. Your tireless commitment to the dignity of the individual and to the strengthening of our democracy makes you a particularly worthy recipient of this prize.
Let us celebrate together today—not only your merits but also what this prize stands for: the unifying power of dialogue, the courage for understanding, even when it is difficult, and the hope for a better future for the people in Europe and the world.
I thank you all for sharing this special moment with us.
