Jewish and Catholic leaders from across Europe are continuing two days of talks in Paris Tuesday in a bid to improve relations between the two religions.

Organizers say the landmark talks, which began Monday, are focusing on bilateral relations, religious matters, and historical accuracy. It is the first meeting of this kind between Jewish and Catholic leaders.

Jewish delegates say they want to build on the mutual good will generated by Pope John Paul's trip to the Holy Land in the year 2000.

The conference comes as Jewish leaders are pressing for a critical reassessment of Pope Pius XII. Critics say the pontiff, who reigned during the World WarI, did too little to alleviate Jewish suffering during the Holocaust. Supporters of Pope Pius say he did as much as he could to save lives.

The Vatican has denied claims that it has put the planned beatification of Pope Pius on hold in response to recent criticism of the late pontiff.

Also, French Jews have complained of rising anti-semitism. Acts of arson and vandalism against Jewish schools and synagogues in France have increased in recent months. Jewish leaders say the attacks are related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to the U.S.-led anti-terrorist campaign.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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