Pope Benedict condemns anti-Semitism, may visit Rome synagogue

Jan 16, 2006, 15:38 GMT

Vatican City - Italian Jewish leaders Monday invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit Rome's main synagogue during a meeting at the Vatican that saw the German-born pontiff speak out against anti- Semitism and hatred towards Israel.

Benedict referred to the history of 'the people of Israel', centuries of anti-Jewish sentiments and the horrors of the Holocaust during his meeting with a delegation led by Rome Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni.

The 78-year-old pope told his guest it was crucial that Christians and Jews join forces in fighting against 'hatred and misunderstandings, injustices and violence'.

'In this context, how can one not be grieved and concerned about the renewed displays of anti-Semitism that are sometimes registered?' the pope said.

Though the pope did not mention any specific case, it was thought he may have been referring to Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has provoked international outrage by calling for the eradication of Israel and by branding the Holocaust 'a myth'.

Last week, Benedict told diplomats Israel had a right to live peacefully and Di Segni said Monday the pope had shown 'close attention' towards the problems facing Jews and Israel, 'which for the entire Jewish population is an essential and central reference point'.

Di Segni said he was sure Christian-Jewish relations would continue to improve and invited the pope to visit Rome's main synagogue, some 20 years after the first historic visit by John Paul II.

'In April, 20 years will have passed since the historic visit by your predecessor to the synagogue of Rome, a unique event. However there is no reason to prevent it from being repeated by the new pope, who is always welcome,' Di Segni told Benedict.

John Paul made history on April 13, 1986 by becoming the first ever pope to visit a synagogue.

Benedict has visited a synagogue during his August trip to Germany and has made Christian-Jewish relations one of the main issues of his pontificate.

Di Segni said Benedict was glad to receive the invitation but noted there were a number of formalities to be dealt with first.