VATICAN CITY — In their first meeting since the Iraq war, Pope John Paul II told U.S. President George W. Bush he was deeply concerned about the "grave unrest" in Iraq and called for a speedy restoration of the country's sovereignty.

During a 50-minute encounter June 4, the pope firmly reminded the president of the Vatican's opposition to the invasion of Iraq last year. What Iraq needs today, he said, is for the situation to be normalized as quickly as possible, under a framework of greater international cooperation.

"The recent appointment of a head of state in Iraq and the formation of an interim Iraqi government are an encouraging step toward the attainment of this goal," the pope said, in a speech delivered in a strained and halting voice.

The pope described international terrorism as a "source of constant concern." But in an apparent reference to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. soldiers, he said recent "deplorable events" have undermined the values that are essential to defeating terrorism.

In a brief talk to the pope, Bush presented the pontiff with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and called him a "hero of our time" for his defense of human freedom and dignity. The president did not mention Iraq or other international events in the public part of their encounter.

It was the third meeting between the two leaders, and it coincided with celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Europe during World War II. In Rome, people turned out to commemorate the liberation of Rome on June 4, 1944, while in many parts of the city anti-Bush demonstrators also gathered to protest.

Bush arrived at the Vatican with more than 15 top aides, including Secretary of State Colin Powell and the president's chief political adviser, Karl Rove. Their motorcade roared through an emptied St. Peter's Square as police snipers watched from atop nearby buildings.

Tourists and pilgrims outside the Vatican had mixed feelings about the visit. Some applauded while others whistled and jeered.

After 15 minutes of one-on-one talks in the papal library, Bush and the pope moved to the ornate Clementine Hall, where they delivered talks and exchanged gifts. Seated next to the president, the 84-year-old pope struggled through his two-page text, pronouncing a word or two at a time. After thanking Bush for the visit and expressing his "warm welcome," the pope quickly turned to the international scene.

Speaking of their past differences on Iraq and the Middle East, the pope said the president was "very familiar with the unequivocal position of the Holy See" as expressed in numerous documents, direct contacts and diplomatic efforts.

"It is the evident desire of everyone that this situation now be normalized as quickly as possible with the active participation of the international community and, in particular, the United Nations organization, in order to ensure a speedy return of Iraq's sovereignty, in conditions of security for all its people," he said.

He said he hoped a similar process would take hold in the Holy Land, where he said fresh negotiations are needed between Israel and Palestinians.

Addressing terrorism, the pope recalled that he had called Sept. 11, 2001, a "dark day in the history of humanity."

"In the past few weeks other deplorable events have come to light which have troubled the civic and religious conscience of all, and made more difficult a serene and resolute commitment to shared human values; in the absence of such a commitment neither war nor terrorism will ever be overcome," the pope said.

He invoked God's blessing on all those who work for understanding between peoples, "in respect for the security and rights of all nations and of every man and woman."

The pope praised Bush for his commitment to promoting moral values in American society, particularly when it comes to respect for life and the family.

He also thanked the United States and its humanitarian agencies, particularly Catholic agencies, for their work in African countries that face "fratricidal conflicts, pandemic illnesses and a degrading poverty."

The pope recalled the Allied liberation of Rome and noted that many American soldiers gave their lives for their country and for the freedom of the peoples of Europe. He prayed that the mistakes of the past that led to the tragedy of war would not be repeated again, and he said U.S.-European cooperation was sorely needed today.

At the end of his talk, the pope assured the president of his prayers and invoked upon him "God's blessings of wisdom, strength and peace.

"May God bestow peace and freedom upon all mankind," he said.

In presenting the Medal of Freedom to the pope, Bush told the pope he was respected, admired and greatly loved by Americans. Like the pope, Bush said, "we recognize the power of freedom to change societies and to change the world."

He described the pope as a champion of the poor and outcast, a defender of "the dignity of every life" and a spiritual leader who helped topple communism.