Pope Benedict XVI denounced a resurgence of anti-Semitism Monday during the first visit at the Vatican by Rome’s chief rabbi, Riccardo di Segni.

"How can we not be pained and troubled by the resurgence of anti-Semitism that we have often witnessed?" the pope said, calling on Jews and Christians to join together to fight "misunderstandings, injustice and violence" in the world.

Christians and Jews "have the responsibility of cooperating for the good of all peoples," said the pope, in a speech that began and ended with the Hebrew word for welcome and peace, "Shalom".

Segni invited the pope to come to Rome’s main synagogue in the spirit of his predecessor John Paul II’s visit nearly 20 years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI talks with Riccardo di Segni (4thL), chief rabbi and members of Rome's Jewish community during a private audience at the Vatican 16 January 2006. Photo: copyright AFP 2006

The late pontiff’s visit to Rome’s synagogue in April 1986 marked a
symbolic turning point in relations between Jews and the Roman Catholic Church, after many centuries of often outright anti-Semitism from the Vatican.

Benedict XVI also praised the faith and strength of the Jewish people.

Over centuries of anti-Semitism and in the worst moments of the Shoah (Holocaust), the hand of the almighty gave the Jewish people the strength to surpass these tests," said the pope.

Segni commended Benedict XVI’s "leading role" in the renewal of
Judeo-Christian dialogue during John Paul’s papacy, and praised his strong language against anti-Semitism, fundamentalist terrorism and support for the state of Israel, which the rabbi called "a central and essential reference point for the Jewish people."