They also met the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and visited the biggest mosque in Europe and the Great Synagogue of Rome.

This self-financing visit also included the Anglican Centre, the English College and classical Rome.

The pilgrimage of ministers, imams and faith leaders, male and female, was organised by Building Bridges, Burnley, which works to increase understanding and co-operation between faith communities.

The Rev. Khaled Akasheh, head officer for Islam at the Vatican's council for Inter-religious Dialogue, told the group about the numerous international meetings held regularly between Catholics and Muslims. He said: "What you are doing in Burnley, by transforming a crisis into an opportunity, gives hope and joy to others".

Mr Hamid Qureshi, director of Building Bridges and chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: "This visit has helped people of different traditions to appreciate the complex background to our beliefs and cultures.

"We have seen how the history of the three mono-theistic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, has evolved in the Eternal City from classical times to the present day."

Bea Foster, voluntary sector co-ordinator Lancashire County Council, said: "During this pilgrimage we have spent a whole week living together, and got to know one another in a way that we do not normally experience at home.

"It has deepened our friendships so we can work more effectively as faith communities for the good of Burnley."