Pope Benedict XVI has received top officials of the World Jewish Congress, who pressed concern about threats from Iran and urged the pontiff to pursue dialogue with moderate Muslims.
The Jewish organization's President Ronald Lauder and its Secretary General Michael Schneider presented their concerns to the pope at a private audience at the Vatican.
The Jewish leaders noted anxiety over what they said is the continued appearance of instances of anti-Semitism in Europe and Iran. They specifically raised the issue of a Polish priest, accused of broadcasting anti-Semitic views on his influential radio station.
The delegation thanked the pontiff for his efforts in building interfaith relations and called building dialogue with moderate Muslim countries important in efforts to secure a peaceful future. Delegation members also invited the pontiff to meet with senior Jewish leaders during his trip to New York next year.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
