In a solemn academic ceremony, the Pontificio Ateneo Sant’Anselmo in Rome conferred an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Philosophy upon the German historian of philosophy, Prof. Dr Andreas Speer.

In his welcoming address, the Grand Chancellor, Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder OSB, paid tribute to the significance of the honouree’s work in the study of medieval intellectual history. At the same time, he placed the award within the broader context of Sant’Anselmo’s own intellectual development. The Ateneo has, according to Schröder, increasingly opened itself throughout its history to a "sapiential" way of thinking—one that does not play monastic tradition and the achievements of Scholasticism against each other but rather weaves them together. Andreas Speer embodies this connection in a singular way.

The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Prof. Andrea De Santis, highlighted Speer’s international scholarly reputation. For many years, as Director of the Thomas Institute in Cologne, he has shaped research into medieval philosophy far beyond the borders of Germany. His work on metaphysics, natural philosophy, and the theological traditions of wisdom in the Middle Ages is regarded internationally as a benchmark. Particular mention was made of his studies on liturgical symbolism, Meister Eckhart, and the monastic culture of Saint-Denis, all of which reveal a deep affinity with the Benedictine tradition.

The Laudatio, titled "Artifex sapidus", was delivered by Prof. Francesco De Feo OSB, followed by Andreas Speer’s own Lectio magistralis on the theme "Contemplation and Philosophy: A Medieval Constellation." The ceremony was enriched by musical performances of works by Gordon Jacob and Ennio Morricone, interpreted by Joel Schmidt OSB and Giacomo Balduzzi. The event concluded with the formal presentation of the diploma by the Grand Chancellor and the Rector, Prof. Jákó Örs Fehérváry OSB.

In honouring Andreas Speer, the Ateneo recognises a scholar whose work makes visible the unity of philosophical reflection, theological tradition, and cultural memory. In an age of increasing specialisation, Sant’Anselmo views this union as an essential component of its own academic and Benedictine identity. Thus, the conferral of this honorary doctorate was also an expression of the international reach and spiritual profile of the Ateneo.