Roger Boyes, Times correspondent in Cologne, says that Pope Benedict XVI's warnings against anti-semitism as he visited a synagogue today weren't enough for Jewish leaders looking for a grand gesture from Catholicism

"This visit was seen in advance as highly significant because Benedict XVI is a German pope who served in the Hitler youth, and it's the first time a Pope has visited a synagogue in the nation that started the holocaust.

"In the event, the Pope spoke out against anti-semitism but not quite enough for many Jewish people.

"He could have made this into an emotional journey into his past, but he hasn't. I don't think he wants to give anything away just yet. Perhaps he doesn't want it to look as though his relationship with Jews is special or privileged as he's about to meet with Muslim leaders.

"We saw a different Pope today, more calculating and more of a statesman than the charming Pope who has been so popular with all the young pilgrims gathered here.

"Jewish leaders really wanted him to be clearer about the Vatican's dealings with the Nazi regime. Opening the Vatican archives could form the basis for greater trust between Catholicism and Judiasm.

"But the Pope sort of brushed this call aside, and said the two sides would have to work closely to find a mutually acceptable interpretation. He was very reluctant to give such a change away for free.

"As for the wider German public, they seem to really like him. It's all become a bit chauvinistic with people wearing little badges saying 'We are the pope', meaning that Germans see him as one of them. He still speaks with a light Bavarian accent but he's spent the last 21 years in Rome and is more Italian than German in many ways.

"The big moral message to all the pilgrims and the Catholic world will come on Sunday. He's meeting key politicians and Muslim representatives tomorrow."

Explore World News

• Iraq News

• US & Americas News

• Europe News

• Middle East News

• Asia News

• Africa News

• Ireland News

Times Recommends

• Congo's rangers risk their lives to guard gorillas
• Pearl farming in China losing its lustre
• Axl Rose mystery as album arrives at last