Welcoming 18 members of the Anti-Defamation League in the Vatican this morning, Pope John Paul II expressed his fervent desire for the eradication of all forms of racism.

“The Church and the Jewish people continue to enjoy close bonds of friendship,” said the Pope. “It is my fervent prayer that men and women will work together to eradicate all forms of racism in order to build a society that promotes truth, justice, love and peace. Upon all of you I invoke the divine gifts of strength and joy. Shalom!”