Text of Statement from the Holy See Press Office on Racism Conference

Statement from the Press Office
The Press Office of the Holy See, through its Director, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, anticipated yesterday evening some comments concerning the speech given yesterday by the Iranian President at the Review Conference of the Durban Declaration of 2001 against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Moreover, the Press Office wishes to recall the words of Pope Benedict XVI, who said last Sunday: “I express heartfelt prayers that the Delegates present at the Geneva Conference will work together, in a spirit of dialogue and mutual acceptance, so as to put an end to every form of racism, discrimination and intolerance, thereby marking a fundamental step towards the affirmation of the universal value of human dignity and human rights, within a framework of respect and justice for every person and every people.” In consequence, the Holy See deplores the use of this United Nations forum for the adoption of political positions, of an extremist and offensive nature, against any State. This does not contribute to dialogue and it provokes an unacceptable atmosphere of conflict. What is needed, instead, is to make good use of this important opportunity to engage in dialogue together, according to the line of action that the Holy See has always adopted, with a view to effectively combating the racism and intolerance that still today affect children, women, those of African descent, migrants, indigenous peoples etc. in every part of the world. The Holy See, in renewing the Pope’s appeal, reiterates that its own Delegation at the Conference is working in this spirit.