The Vexillum Foundation organized with exceptional splendor the 23rd Ceremony of the International Award “Vexillum – Giuseppe Sciacca,” dedicated to the memory of Giuseppe Sciacca, a young man who departed prematurely from life, leaving as his legacy his Christian and ethical values.
Awardees and Members of the Awards
The ceremony took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Palazzo della Cancelleria, this unique artistic edifice in the Vatican, in the presence of Ecclesiastical, Political, and Diplomatic Authorities.
he Jury of the International Awards Vexillum Giuseppe Sciacca
In the opening address, Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, Honorary President of Honor of the Vexillum Foundation, spoke.
Awards
Scientific Research Awards
Hanne Biesmans, General Gioacchino Angeloni, and hostess Daphne Theodorakea.
• Hanne Biesmans (Belgium/Sweden): Researcher at Linköping University, pioneer in the use of “soft and injectable electrodes,” opening new horizons for safer and more effective neurological therapies. The award was presented by General Gioacchino Angeloni.
Lemana Spahic and Katerina Nikou
• Lemana Spahic (Bosnia-Herzegovina): Distinguished for applying drug-coated balloons in treating peripheral vascular atherosclerosis and for her doctoral work on artificial intelligence in fetal ultrasounds based on the KANET test. The award was presented by Professor Katerina Nikou.
Marianna Kapsetaki and Dr. Giampiero Biele
• Marianna Kapsetaki (Greece): Neuroscientist and internationally recognized pianist, honored for her innovative research on memory after stroke, eating disorders in musicians, and the neuropsychology of face recognition. The award was presented by President Dr. Giampiero Biele.
Paul Fay and Princess Giacinta Ruspoli
Music Award
• Paul Fey (Germany): Organist, composer, and digital artist, with 22 published collections of works for liturgical use and an international career in European festivals. The award was presented by H.E. Princess Giacinta Ruspoli.
Croatian Professor of Aerospace Engineering Ivica Smojver and General Gerardo Restaino
Special Jury Awards
• Professor Ivica Smojver (Croatia): For his research on aircraft mechanical safety using self-healing materials that mimic natural healing. The award was presented by General Gerardo Restaino.
Professor of Medicine Pierfrancesco Tassone and General and Professor Angelo Giustini
• Professor of Oncology Pierfrancesco Tassone (Italy): For developing new immunotherapeutic strategies in blood cancers, using monoclonal antibodies and microRNA-based therapies. The award was presented by General and Professor of Medicine Angelo Giustini.
Squadron Leader Davide Verdolini and General Alberto Biavati, Aviation Commander.
• Squadron Leader Davide Verdolini (Italy): For his decisive contribution to the humanitarian operation “Solidarity Path Operation 2” in Gaza, distributing 100 tons of food. The award was presented by General Alberto Biavati, Aviation Commander.
The Greek Delegation and the Awardees
Ad Memoriam Award to Father Mario Pesce. Presented by Dr. Giorgos Bizas and received by Dr. Marco Petrini.
• Father Mario Pesce SJ (1917–2006): Honored Ad Memoriam for his founding contribution to the charitable organization “Gruppo India,” following his collaboration with Mother Teresa. The award was presented by Dr. Giorgos Bizas, co-founder and President of Flexcar and Flexauto, and received by Dr. Marco Petrini.
President Sergio Santoro, H.E. Princess Donna Maria Pia Ruspoli, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, and Vicky Bafataki
The ring from the Poneros house
Culture Award “San José Sanchez del Rio Martire”
Cardinal Angelo Comastri and the Jury
• Cardinal Angelo Comastri: Awarded for his rich pastoral and theological career, as well as his literary work bridging faith and culture. The award was presented by President Sergio Santoro and H.E. Princess Donna Maria Pia Ruspoli. The official ring of the institution, a work of the Poneros house, was delivered by the General Secretary of the institution, Vasiliki (Vicky) Bafataki.
Ambassador of Romania to the Holy See George Bologan, Lorelai Alberta Mosnegutu, Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, Lorelai Alberta Mosnegutu, Ambassador of Romania to the Holy See George Bologan, and G.S. Vicky Bafataki
Lorelai Alberta Mosnegutu and Cardinal Angelo Comastri
Absolute Award (Premio Assoluto)
• Lorelai Alberta Mosnegutu (Romania): Young artist with disability, who writes, paints, and plays piano with her feet. She impressed the international audience with her voice and strength of soul, winning first place in the television program “Romanians Have Talent.” Her award symbolizes transcendence, inspiration, and optimism for the new generation.
Paul Fay, Lorelai Alberta Mosnegutu, Savino Zaba, Vicky Bafataki
The award was presented by Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, in the presence of the Ambassador of Romania to the Holy See George Bologan and Professor Vasiliki (Vicky) Bafataki, General Secretary of the Award.
Theano Karatsioubani and Lorelai
The ceremony director Vangelis Mathas and Lorelai
Giorgos Angelopoulos, Vicky Bafataki, Klelia Charisi, Konstantinos Delis, and Lorelai
Giorgos Bizas, Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, and Konstantinos Delis
Statement by Vasiliki (Vicky) Bafataki, General Secretary of the Award Internationally
“This year’s ceremony uniquely highlighted the power of young researchers, whose work sends a resounding scientific message: that knowledge, innovation, and faith in human progress can change the world. From bioelectronics and biomedicine to neuroscience, the young awardees proved that science is inextricably linked to hope for tomorrow. In the same spirit, Lorelai showed us that art and creation know no barriers. Her voice and music became a bridge between diversity and the universality of human experience. This is the true mission of the Vexillum Award: to unite, inspire, and cultivate enduring values.”
Dimitra Vambakousi, Giorgos Angelopoulos, Vicky Bafataki, and Katerina Nikou
Katerina Nikou, Prof. Pierfrancesco Tassone, and Vicky Bafataki
The Head of International Relations of the institution, Aikaterini Nikou, stated: “This year’s award ceremony highlighted, once again, personalities who inspire science, art, and society through their work and ethos. The institution builds bridges of cooperation and promotes values with global resonance. Particularly significant was the dynamic presence of the Greek delegation, which showcased our country’s international prestige. We warmly thank all who supported us this year.”
Klelia Charisi, Dimitra Vambakousi, Vicky Bafataki, and Katerina Nikou
Eleni Kostopoulou, Thanasis Lekos, and Vicky Bafataki
Monsignore Don Bruno Lima, Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, Fabrizio Marsili
Award Members with Fabrizio Marsili and Vicky Bafataki
Princesses Maria Pia and Giacinta Ruspoli and her husband, Vicky Bafataki, and Monsignor Don Bruno Lima
The ceremony was attended by emblematic and significant personalities from all fields. Notable presences included Dr. Linda Malkas, a globally awarded molecular oncologist for her achievements; Princesses Maria-Pia and Giacinta Ruspoli; the co-founder and President of Flexcar and Flexauto; Eleni Kostopoulou, executive of the Greek Embassy in Rome and volunteer member of the Vexillum Foundation; the military attaché of the Greek Embassy in Rome Athanasios Lekos; actor Giorgos Angelopoulos, volunteer member of the Vexillum Foundation, with his wife Dimitra Vambakousi; journalist Klelia Charisi; businessman Konstantinos Delis; and many others.
The ceremony hostesses Xenia Laskaridou and Daphne Theodorakea
The little boats of Giorgos Roussis
Event and Greek Delegation Sponsors: Aegean, Poniros, Flex Car, FlexAuto, Labochem, VCM Productions, Framereel, and Krav Maga Viper.
The appearance of the Greek Delegation members was curated by designers: Prince Erotokritos (Vicky Bafataki), Daphne Valente (Katerina Nikou), Katerina Saakidou (Theano Karatsioubani), Nikos Apostolopoulos (Giorgos Angelopoulos).