Washington - Pope Benedict XVI and President George W Bush cast aside their differences to embrace the role of morality and religion in world leadership, while rejecting the manipulation of faith to justify violence.

During his first visit to the White House Wednesday since rising to the papacy three years ago, Benedict in a joint statement reaffirmed along with Bush their "total rejection of terrorism" and called for the humane treatment of suspects in the fight against extremism.

Bush has been criticized over the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where more than 250 war on terrorism suspects remain locked up, and for endorsing harsh interrogation methods his opponents allege amounted to torture.

"They further touched on the need to confront terrorism with appropriate means that respect the human person and his or her rights," the statement said.

Bush and Benedict also discussed ending the Israel-Palestinian conflict, supporting Lebanese sovereignty, stabilizing Iraq and protecting its Christian community and support for improving life on Africa.

Benedict has in the past denounced the war in Iraq and the use of the death penalty in the United States to execute convicted murderers. The pope made no mention of either issue during his address on the White House's South Lawn packed with more than 13,000 people.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino did not provide details on the subject of Iraq in the private, one-on-one meeting in the Oval Office after the reception, saying only that the two men discussed the need to protect Iraq's Christian community.

But Benedict called on the United States to work toward diplomatically resolving international disputes, saying Americans have historically demonstrated a firm commitment to promoting freedom throughout the world and meeting humanitarian needs.

"I am confident that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression in support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress," Benedict said.

In Bush's opening remarks, he affirmed America's commitment to freedom of religion while also saying the pope had a role in the world to spread the word of God to counter religious extremism and terrorism.

"In a world where some invoke the name of God to justify acts of terror and murder and hate, we need your message that God is love," Bush said. "And embracing this love is the surest way to save men from falling prey to the teaching of fanaticism and terrorism."

The ceremony at the White House coincided nearly to the minute with a Supreme Court decision preserving the right of states to administer lethal injections in death penalty cases.

The Vatican adamantly opposes executions and the White House has acknowledged differences between the leaders of one of the world's largest religions and the world's only superpower. Bush, whose home state of Texas leads the nation in executions, believes the death penalty serves as a deterrent.

The pope's first venture to the United States has also not gone without criticism. Protestors in Washington Wednesday held signs condemning the church for failing to adequately deal with sexual abuse by priests.

Pre-empting the criticism, Benedict told reporters on his plane that he was "deeply ashamed" by the scandal and pledged to ensure clergy will not pose a risk to children in the future.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests wants a meeting with Benedict and remains worried that children are still subjected to abuse.

"Victims are concerned that Pope Benedict ... is administering a world wide institution in which human rights violations against children are an historic, ongoing and daily occurrence," the group said.

Bush, who is a Protestant and member of the Methodist Church but has close ties to the Catholic community, was clearly honoured by the pope's presence despite their differences.

"Millions of Americans have been praying for your visit," Bush said. "And millions look forward to praying with you this week." (dpa)