The 30-minute meeting at St. Mary's Cathedral included Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Zoroastrian leaders, The Daily Telegraph reported.

"A harmonious relationship between religion and public life is all the more important at a time when some people have come to consider religion as a cause of division rather than a force for unity," Benedict said.

The pope said many religions share similar values.

"Friends, these values, I am sure you will agree, are particularly important to the adequate formation of young people, who are so often tempted to view life as a commodity," he said.