Herbert Haag Prize Awarded to Advocates for Human Dignity and Church Reform

Lucerne, Switzerland – On March 23, 2026, Bishop Erwin Kräutler of the Amazon region and Hungarian theologian Rita Perintfalvi were jointly awarded the Herbert Haag Prize for their unwavering commitment to human dignity, equality, and democratic values. The prize, worth 10,000 Swiss francs to each recipient, was presented at St. Luke’s Church in Lucerne, Switzerland, and met with a sustained standing ovation.

Recognizing a Lifelong Dedication to Justice

The Herbert Haag Foundation, established in 1985 to promote the biblical message of freedom, solidarity, and democracy [Herbert Haag Foundation Website], recognized both awardees for their distinct yet complementary approaches to advocating for a more just and equitable world. Foundation President Odilo Noti emphasized that Perintfalvi and Kräutler share a “common insistence on human dignity and equality, on human rights and democracy.”

Bishop Erwin Kräutler: A Champion for Indigenous Rights and Environmental Protection

Bishop Kräutler, 86, a member of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, has dedicated over six decades to serving the people of Brazil, particularly in the Amazon region. His work as bishop of the Xingu diocese and president of the Indian Mission Council (CIMI) focused on defending the rights of Indigenous populations and protecting the Amazon rainforest. He significantly contributed to the development of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato si’, advocating for ecological responsibility and social justice [Laudato Si’ – Vatican Website].

Kräutler has been a vocal critic of large-scale projects, such as the Belo Monte Dam, highlighting their detrimental impact on local communities and the environment. He likewise courageously reported instances of sexual abuse of children and child prostitution within influential circles in Altamira, facing threats and attacks as a result. His activism aligns with the “option for the poor” central to liberation theology, and he has consistently advocated for structural reforms within the Catholic Church, including greater inclusion of women in leadership roles and the possibility of women’s ordination.

In his acceptance speech, Bishop Kräutler expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the Amazon and underscored the urgent need to address the spiritual needs of remote Indigenous communities. He questioned why parishioners in these regions could not be ordained to administer the Eucharist, given the vast distances and limited access to priests. He also emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental protection and human well-being, stating, “If the Amazon ceases to exist, the entire earth will be affected.”

Rita Perintfalvi: Confronting Right-Wing Populism and Church Reform in Hungary

Rita Perintfalvi, 52, a theologian and researcher based in Budapest, has been a leading voice challenging right-wing populism, religious fundamentalism, and gender inequality in Hungary. She previously taught at the universities of Vienna and Graz and currently serves as president of the Hungarian section of the European Society for Women’s Theological Research. Perintfalvi has openly criticized the political system under Viktor Orbán, denouncing the ideological manipulation of Christianity for political gain.

Her work has drawn criticism and hostility from pro-government media and right-wing extremists. In 2025, she was the target of a smear campaign that included the dissemination of a fabricated pornographic video. Perintfalvi filed a criminal complaint and, despite the personal toll, remained steadfast in her commitment to truth and justice. She has also been critical of the Hungarian Catholic Church’s perceived collaboration with the Orbán government, describing it as a “collaboration with a neo-fascist dictatorship.”

In her acceptance speech, Perintfalvi warned that the situation in Hungary is symptomatic of a broader global crisis threatening democracy, human rights, and Western civilization. She cited Russian civil rights activist Alexei Navalny as an inspiration, emphasizing the constant need to defend freedom. She expressed feeling “homeless and orphaned” within her own church, lamenting its alignment with oppressors rather than solidarity with victims.

The Herbert Haag Foundation: A Legacy of Promoting Dialogue and Justice

The Herbert Haag Foundation continues to honor individuals and initiatives that champion freedom, solidarity, and democracy through ecumenical, interreligious, and social dialogue. Previous recipients of the Herbert Haag Prize include theologians Leonardo Boff and Eugen Drewermann, Bishop Jacques Gaillot, and the church referendum initiatives in Austria and Germany [Herbert Haag Foundation – Previous Winners].

Key Takeaways

• Bishop Kräutler was recognized for his decades-long advocacy for Indigenous rights and environmental protection in the Amazon.
• Rita Perintfalvi was honored for her courageous critique of right-wing populism and her call for church reform in Hungary.
• Both recipients embody a commitment to human dignity, equality, and democratic values.
• The Herbert Haag Foundation plays a vital role in promoting dialogue and justice within and beyond the Catholic Church.