He holds a PhD in Civil and Canonical Law and is considered a brilliant and rigorous legal expert with an eye for even the smallest detail. He was ordained in 1961, a moment which would represent the beginning of a long career dedicated to the Catholic Church, culminating in 2007 when Pope Benedict XVI named him Cardinal. Previously, as Auxiliary Bishop of Barcelona, he worked closely with then Cardinal Narcís Jubany. Currently the Archbishop of Barcelona, he has maintained his commitment to the Barcelona Diocese and the university. The Barcelona Diocese’s commitment to universities has a long history: In the 20th and 21st century this commitment has been maintained through, amongst others, Fundació Blanquerna, Fundació Pere Tarrés and the Faculty of Philosophy, all of which are institutions within Universitat Ramon Llull. Cardinal Martínez Sistach has also played a key role as Judge in the Third Ecclesiastic Court of Barcelona and Vicar General of Barcelona.

Awarded: May, 10th 2011