WASHINGTON -- Pope Benedict XVI called yesterday for international cooperation on human rights and more responsible actions from U.S. Catholics.

On the South Lawn at the White House, Benedict seemed personally touched by warm cheers and birthday wishes from the crowd of more than 13,000. At least twice, he stood and held out both arms in a show of thanks on his 81st birthday.

"As I begin my visit," he said, "I trust that my presence will be a source of renewal and hope for the church in the United States and strengthen the resolve of Catholics to contribute ever more responsibly to the life of this nation."

The remarks came one day after he expressed shame for the pedophilia that for years has cast a shadow over the Catholic priesthood in America.

The papal visit marks the second time a pope has visited the White House. The first was in 1979.

Referring only indirectly to international relations strained by the U.S-led war in Iraq, Benedict said he was confident that America's concern for the "greater human family" will be expressed through "patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress."

The pope and President Bush disagree on the war in Iraq and the death penalty, but they agree on other issues. Both oppose abortion.

The president said to loud cheers from the crowd, "In a world where some treat life as something to be debased and discarded, we need your message that all human life is sacred."

He and the first lady met Benedict as the pope exited a black limousine at the White House and ushered him to greetings by Vice President Dick Cheney, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other dignitaries.

"In a world where some invoke the name of God to justify acts of terror and murder and hate, we need your message," Bush said, quoting from the pope's first encyclical, or letter to the church, in January 2006 on the power of prayer and a relationship with God "to save men from 'falling prey to the teaching of fanaticism and terrorism.'"

Benedict quoted his predecessor, John Paul II, and compared his words to those of George Washington in calling on politicians to embrace religion and morality.

"Democracy can only flourish, as your founding fathers realized, when political leaders and those whom they represent are guided by truth," Benedict said.

Twice the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" to the pope -- once spontaneously, to which Benedict rose and extended his arms in gratitude, and again later while he looked down from the Truman Balcony, before going inside for a private meeting with Bush.

"You just felt the energy and enthusiasm. That's probably what touched him," said Magda El-Tobgui, of Alexandria, Va.

Others were glad to see politics did not seep too deeply into the White House event.

"It's about love; it's about hope, exactly what we need right now," said Adrien Cotton of Alexandria.

Contact Neil H. Simon at nsimon@mediageneral.com or (202) 662-7669.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.