Pope kicks off Bible marathon

Pope Benedict XVI Monday kicked off a weeklong televised Bible marathon featuring more than 1,200 people reading the Christian and Jewish testaments.

"If welcomed, this seed will not fail to bring abundant fruits," the pope said before reading the opening of the Book of Genesis, The Daily Telegraph reported.

The pope recorded his segment at the Vatican, while most of the readings are to be performed in Rome's Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, a basilica built in the fourth century.

The pope's reading was followed by Bishop Ilarion, a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Telegraph reported, noting Rome's chief rabbi, Riccardo di Segni, last month withdrew from the event, saying it had become "too Catholic."