The humanity of the other. Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa awards an Honorary PhD in “Human Rights, Global Politics and International Studies” to Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa
“For his extraordinary commitment to promoting and defending international law and human rights, particularly the right to freedom of religion.” For these reasons, the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa will confer upon the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude and Eminence Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Philosophiae Doctor honoris causa degree in Human Rights, Global Politics and International Studies.
The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, 6 October, starting at 11:30 a.m. in the Aula Magna of the Sant’Anna School. Attendees will include Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of Universities and Research; Nicola Vitiello, Rector of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies; Laura Ramacciotti, President of CRUI, the Conference of Italian University Rectors; and representatives of political and religious institutions.
A point of reference for those calling for peace and dialogue
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has served as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since 24 October 2020. At a time in history marked by profound tensions, he has embodied the values of hope and humanity, becoming a point of reference for those calling for peace and dialogue.
He has distinguished himself through his closeness to civilian populations, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and through his unwavering efforts to promote a cessation of hostilities, respect for international law and the protection of religious freedom.
Among his initiatives are his offer to take the place of the Israeli children held hostage by Hamas following the attack of 7 October 2023; his meeting with several families of hostages; his visits to the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, the only Catholic parish in the Strip, following the Israeli strike of 17 July 2025; his continued efforts to ensure access to and distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip; and his steadfast support for, and accompaniment of, the Christian community in the West Bank.
Cardinal Pizzaballa has also consistently recognised the role of schools and universities as “workshops for a new humanity”, places that can foster opportunities for dialogue and promote a culture based on respect for others, diplomacy and dialogue.
The ceremony programme
The conferral ceremony will open with institutional remarks by Nicola Vitiello, Rector of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies; Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of Universities and Research; and Caterina Sganga, Director of the Dirpolis Institute.
Francesco Strazzari, Coordinator of the PhD Programme in Human Rights, Global Politics and International Studies, will then read the citation setting out the reasons for conferring the honorary PhD upon Cardinal Pizzaballa.
The laudatio, presenting Cardinal Pizzaballa’s biography and outlining the achievements and merits underlying the decision to confer the honorary degree, will be delivered by Professor Edoardo Greppi, Professor Emeritus of International Law at the University of Turin and President of the Italian Society of International and European Union Law.
Following the presentation of the diploma by Nicola Vitiello, Rector of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa will deliver a Lectio Magistralis entitled “The Humanity of the Other: Dignity and Rights in Times of War.”
