In November, Rabbi A. James Rudin, one of the co-founders of the university’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, became the third American rabbi in history to be honored with the Papal Knighthood of the Order of St. Gregory for his work in interfaith relations.

In a ceremony held at Saint Leo University, Rudin received the medal of the Order of St. Gregory from Bishop Mark O’Connell, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. O’Connell conducted the investiture ceremony on behalf of Pope Francis in recognition of Rudin’s decades of work in building positive Catholic-Jewish relations throughout the world, fostering interreligious dialogue and understanding.

Rudin is the American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) senior interreligious adviser, having previously served as its interreligious affairs director. He also is a distinguished professor of religion and Judaica at Saint Leo University.

“It is an honor and privilege to accept this extraordinary award,” Rudin said. “To be selected for a papal knighthood is a highlight of both my professional and personal life.”