An Oxford Islamic expert was among speakers at a racism conference yesterday at which the Pope continued to reconcile with the Muslim world.

Tariq Ramadan, a visiting professor at St Anthony's College, Oxford, took part in the European Cities Against Racism Conference, organised by UNESCO.

He was one of many academics and diplomats to hear Pope Benedict state his profound respect for Islam after his remarks made earlier this month sparked protests around the world.

Prof Ramadan said the conference was "mainly political" and intended to improve relations with Muslim states.

But the professor of Islamic Studies at St Anthony's said those people who are convinced the Pope was against Islam "are not going to change their minds".

Prof Ramadan, a well-known Muslim scholar, had criticised the mass protests against the Roman Catholic leader's comments. He said Muslims should refute the Pope's arguments through dialogue.