The theme of the day for Pope Benedict XVI was religious tolerance in speaking here at the United Nations, at a church, and at a visit to a New York synagogue.

This has never happened in America before, a Pope visiting a Jewish place of worship.

"Shalom," said Pope Benedict XVI.

"I acknowledge that the Jewish community make a valuable contribution to the life of the city," said the Pope.

At the Park East Synagogue on New York's Upper East Side, a Rabbi presented Pope Benedict with a cedar plate used during traditional Passover meals.

It was a history making occasion, given the Catholic Church's strained history with Judaism.

"I find it moving to recall that Jesus, as a young boy, heard the words of Scripture and prayed in a place such as this," said the Pope.

Earlier in the day at the United Nations, the Holy Father took on poverty and human rights weaving in a message of religious freedom.

"Recognition of this dimension must be strengthened if we are to sustain humanity's hope for a better world," said the Pope.

The Pope rounded out his day at an inter-religious prayer service at Saint Joseph parish where he encouraged unity in the church.

New Yorkers will get their only chance to see the Pope travel city streets in his Pope mobile tomorrow afternoon.

He'll ride in the bullet proof vehicle from an invitation only mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral to an Upper East side residence where he's staying.