honoris cause is a Latin expression and is currently used as a honorary title, which literally means "for the sake of honor".
Normally, honoris causa it is used when a prestigious university wishes to award a title of honor to a person of great prominence or importance for his work.
This title is given to a person even if he does not have a university degree, but nevertheless has highlighted or exerted great influence in certain areas, such as the arts, literature, politics or promoting peace.
Other aspects that are considered essential for a given individual to receive the title of honoris causa they are related to concern for human problems such as poverty, hunger and so on.
The individual receives this title for his virtues, merits or attitudes, the person honored will receive the same treatment and enjoy the same privileges as if you had earned an academic doctorate conventional.
If the person being honored wants in the future to use this title in front of their name, they can use it shortly. For example: Dr. h.c. So-and-so.
The prestige of the university that awards the Doctorate Honoris Causa for a personality, usually of an international scope, it is quite enriched, because from that moment on, this person will be part of the body of doctors at that university.
The former president of Brazil, Luís Inácio Lula da Silva, for example, was recognized as a doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Salamanca, in Spain, for his work in promoting the dissemination of the Spanish language in Brazilian education.
See also the meaning of honor.