The Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Jerusalem Lecture is an annual public lecture dedicated to advancing Catholic–Jewish dialogue and deepening mutual understanding between the two faith traditions.
Established in honor of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, former Archbishop of Chicago and a pioneering advocate for interreligious engagement, the series addresses theological, ethical, and historical issues that shape Catholic–Jewish relations.
Each year, the lecture features a distinguished Jewish or Catholic scholar or religious leader, with speakers and host venues alternating between the two communities. The event continues Cardinal Bernardin’s legacy of confronting antisemitism, fostering honest theological reflection, and promoting respectful, sustained dialogue at both the local and international levels. The lecture is typically offered free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by religious, academic, and civic institutions committed to interfaith understanding.
DePaul has been a regular host for the lecture, most recently in 2025.