Pope and Blair discuss how to combat terrorism

VATICAN CITY, June 3 (Reuters) Pope Benedict and British Prime Minister Tony Blair today discussed the importance of discussion between faiths to tackle terrorism.

Blair and Benedict, holding talks for the first time, spoke privately in the Pontiff's study for about 40 minutes, a Downing Street spokesman said.

''The prime minister and the Pope talked about the challenges of globalisation and the importance of dialogue between the faiths to battle extremism and terrorism,'' he said.

''One of the themes of discussion was how the moderate voices in all the world's major religions need to stand up to religious extremism in all its forms,'' he added.

He said Blair, who is Anglican, ''underscored that the Roman Catholic Church is a very important partner in the dialogue''.

The spokesman said they also discussed Africa ''at some length'' and China, where the communist government does not allow the local Church to recognise the Pope.

After the private part of the audience, the Pope met Blair's wife, Cherie, who is Roman Catholic, the Vatican said.

The prime minister later continued his official talks with the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano.

Before leaving the Vatican, the Blairs paid their respects at the tomb of the late Pope John Paul, who died on April 2, 2005.

The British media has reported that Blair might invite Pope Benedict to visit Britain. John Paul made a visit in 1982.

Official British government sources said there already was an ''open invitation'' for Pope Benedict to visit Britain but would not speculate on when such a visit could take place.

REUTERS SHB VV1750