During the historic visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Israel, Bar-Ilan University awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Father Patrick Desbois, a French Catholic Priest who serves as a consultant to the Vatican on Christian-Jewish relations, and who spearheads the search throughout today’s Ukraine for the sites of mass shootings of Jews during the Holocaust.

On May 12, 2009 Father Desbois was honored for his humanitarian work on behalf of the Jewish People, his tenacious efforts to counter Holocaust denial and ensure ongoing remembrance for Shoah victims, and his dedication to religious tolerance and interfaith cooperation.

Additional Bar-Ilan University Honorary Doctorate recipients included:

- Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, Chancellor of Yeshiva University in New York.
- Prof. Walter Kohn, of the United States, for his Nobel Prize winning contribution to revolutionizing the scientific approach to the electronic structure of atoms.
- Prof. Roger Kornberg, of the United States, for his Nobel Prize winning research which paves the way for more effective treatment of cancer.
- Pioneer Aryeh “Lova” Eliav, of Israel, for encouraging a successful absorption.
- Business leader David Fuhrer, of Israel, for his commitment in health care market.
- International jurist Prof. Ruth Gavison, of Israel, for her legal achievements in Israeli judicial system.
- Communal leader Meir Shamir, of Israel, in appreciation of his leading role in business and philanthropy.
- Communal leader Alan Zekelman, of the United States, for his commitment to the University.
- Israeli actress Miriam Zohar for her stellar achievements in Israeli theater and her contribution to developing and enriching cultural life in the State of Israel.