VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday stressed the importance of religion in the "fabric of every society" during his weekly general audience at the Vatican.

Addressing religious leaders from the Group of Eight rich nations meeting here, the pope said they would "do much to draw the attention of world political leaders to the importance of religions within the social fabric of every society."

He praised the inter-faith gathering, which has taken place ahead of the actual G8 meeting each year since 2006, saying the delegates underscored world leaders' "grave duty to ensure that the deliberations and policies support and uphold the common good."

Italy will host this year's G8 summit July 8-10 in the earthquake-hit city of L'Aquila, in the central Abruzzo region.

The two-day "religious G8" was to wrap up later Wednesday.