It was a historic moment when Pope Benedict XVI arrived at United Nations headquarters in New York to address the General Assembly.

In his maiden address to the 192-member General Assembly, the pontiff avoided reference to political issues, but concentrated on the need for inter-faith dialogue and human rights based on ethical values.

The Pope told the packed assembly that the task of inter-religious dialogue should be to propose a vision of faith in terms of complete respect for truth, coexistence, human rights and reconciliation.

Vijay Nambiar, who is United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's chief of staff, was among those who greeted Pope Benedict ahead of his maiden speech at the world body.

Photograph: Jay Mandal