Pope decries rise of racism

2008-08-17 17:55

Castel Gandolfo - Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday decried the rise of racism in some countries and urged Christians to help society combat intolerance toward foreigners.

"One of humanity's greatest conquests has been, precisely, the overcoming of racism," Benedict told pilgrims and tourists at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.

"Unfortunately, however, in several countries new, worrisome displays" of racism are manifesting themselves, the pontiff said.

Benedict said that while racism is "often tied to social and economic problems", those factors "can never justify contempt or racial discrimination".

The pope didn't cite any country by name. Instead, he urged Christians to help society "overcome any temptation to resort to racism, intolerance and exclusion" toward foreigners.

Some Italian church figures have added their voices to a debate over the current crackdown by Italy's conservative government on crime by foreigners.

Polls in Italy indicate that many Italians blame crime on immigrants.

Many have criticised the decision by Premier Silvio Berlusconi's government to fingerprint Gypsies, including children, as part of the crackdown on illegal residents.

The government has defended that measure, saying it will help children of Gypsies - also known as Roma - to attend school.

- AP