Pope Benedict XVI today marked the 40th anniversary of a landmark Vatican document on relations with Jews, calling for a renewed commitment for Catholics and Jews to deepen their bonds and work for the good of all humanity.

POPE Benedict XVI formally began his stewardship of the Roman Catholic Church yesterday, reaching out to Jews, other Christians and “non-believers alike”.

IN a sign he intends to follow in the steps of his predecessor and reach out to other religions, Pope Benedict XVI has invited the chief rabbi of Rome to his inauguration, said a spokesman for Rome’s Jewish community.

Moving confidently through his first days as pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI acted to guarantee continuity in church leadership while trying to brighten his austere image.