Pope meets with Jewish leaders, is invited to Rome synagogue

The pope met representatives of Rome’s Jewish community in the Vatican on Monday and was invited to visit the city’s synagogue as his predecessor did in a landmark move 20 years ago .

Noting that John Paul II did more than any other pontiff to bring Jews and Catholics closer together, Rome’s chief rabbi, Riccardo Segni, told Benedict that he too was "always welcome" .

"We know that your thoughts had a decisive role in the years of the last pontificate," he said, adding that his community was convinced Benedict would continue along lines of his predecessor .

Segni said after his meeting that the German pontiff appeared "happy" about the invitation .

Both sides agreed that a visit by Benedict "should not be a mere repetition of an event which was unique," he added .