Pope: Durban II "An Important Initiative"

Pope Benedict XVI had words of support Sunday for the United Nations conference on racism starting Monday in Geneva. The pope made no mention of the boycott of the conference, but urged participating countries to join forces to eliminate intolerance and discrimination in the world.

Benedict said the conference, which ostensibly aims to fight racism and xenophobia, is an "important initiative because, even today, despite the lessons of history, such deplorable phenomena take place." Benedict told pilgrims in St. Peter's Square that "firm and concrete action is needed, at national and international levels, to prevent and eliminate every form of discrimination and intolerance."

Earlier this weekend, the United States joined Israel, Canada, Holland, Italy and Australia in boycotting the conference, saying it could single out Israel for criticism, restrict free speech and be used as an anti-Western forum. The conference is billed as Durban II because it was called to monitor compliance with anti-Israeli resolutions at the first such conference, held in Durban, South Africa eight years ago.