Pope Francis due to make first visit to Auschwitz

Mr Duda said the Pope had expressed his interest in a visit. Krakow Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz said in May last year that Pope Francis hoped to tour the site.

On Tuesday, Ed Kessler, Woolf Institute founding director, told the JC the visit was another example of the importance of the Vatican's relationship with the Jewish community.

"It follows in the footsteps of previous Popes, and Pope Francis's commitment to acknowledging sins of the past."

Dr Kessler said: "The Pope believes the relationship between Jews and Catholics is intrinsic and it is fundamental for Catholics to have a positive relationship with Jews in order to understand their own faith."

Last year the Pope questioned why the allies had not done more to stop the Nazis’ genocide of Jews.

He plans to visit Rome’s main synagogue next week.