Distinguished Guests,

It is a pleasure for me to welcome you, members of a delegation of the Anti-Defamation League as you visit the Vatican. The Catholic Church and the Jewish people continue to enjoy close bonds of friendship. 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!