B’nai B’rith International received prominent media coverage after Director of U.N. and Intercommunal Affairs David Michaels joined a delegation of Jewish leaders for a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

The meeting, held shortly after the pope’s inauguration, underscored the significance of continued Catholic-Jewish dialogue amid rising global tensions. Pope Leo reaffirmed his commitment to interfaith understanding, calling theological dialogue between Christians and Jews “ever important and close to my heart.”

Michaels emphasized the Church’s responsibility in combating anti-Semitism and expressed hope that the pope’s message of engagement would foster more constructive interreligious discourse.

Major Jewish and international media reported on the meeting, once again showing B’nai B’rith’s leadership in global Jewish advocacy.

Read more in the coverage below:

Agenzia Nova:
Leo XIV to meet delegation of Jewish leaders

The Jerusalem Post:
New Pope, new era? Jewish leaders cautiously hopeful about Pope Leo – interview

Jewish News Syndicate (JNS):
After meeting pope, US Jewish leaders do not expect substantial changes from Vatican on Israel

The Times of Israel:
Pope Leo XIV to meet delegation of Jewish leaders

The Times of Israel:
Leo tells Jewish leaders ‘dialogue must continue’ amid interreligious conflict

The Times of Israel:
Herzog, Jewish leaders attend pope’s inauguration, hope to mend rift over Gaza war

The Times of Israel:
Meeting Jewish leaders, Pope Leo acknowledges challenges, reaffirms dialogue