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VATICAN CITY (AP) The Vatican says Pope Benedict XVI will visit Rome's main synagogue in January as part of Catholic-Jewish dialogue.

The announcement Tuesday gave no details of the Jan. 17 visit.

Benedict said last month he wanted to go to the synagogue to show his "personal nearness" and that of the entire church to the Jewish community.

Benedict's predecessor, John Paul II, made a groundbreaking visit to the synagogue near the Tiber River in 1986.

Benedict has visited Jewish houses of worship during pilgrimages to Cologne, in his native Germany, and to New York.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-13-09 0521CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list