VATICAN CITY (AP) — Premier Silvio Berlusconi assured Pope Benedict XVI during talks Friday that his government is committed to protecting human life and the family, the Italian leader's office said.

Silvio Berlusconi và phu nhân gặp viên chức Tòa Thánh

Berlusconi's office said in a statement that there were "shared views" between Italy and the Holy See. The Vatican said the talks were "cordial" and that the two sides expressed their desire to "continue their constructive collaboration" both in their bilateral relations and within the international community.

The 40-minute talks touched upon the political situation in Italy, the prospects of spiritual and social development in Europe and international hotspots such as the Middle East and China, the statements said. The talks also covered the crisis brought about soaring food prices, which was the focus of a global summit in Rome this week.

Berlusconi, paying a courtesy visit that is customary in Italy for new heads of government, kissed the pope's ring as the two met in the pope's library. The pope smiled at Berlusconi and shook his hand.

Benedict has recently welcomed what he called a "new climate" in Italian politics, following Berlusconi's election victory and signs that the new premier is open to dialogue with the opposition on major reforms. Church leaders have expressed concerns, however, about the Cabinet's plans to make it a crime to enter the country illegally.

The proposal, which must be approved by parliament, has drawn criticism and accusations that it might foment racism. Immigration is a major issue in Italy, as elsewhere in Europe, and problems of crime linked to immigrants was an issue in the election campaign in Italy.

Berlusconi, at the helm of a conservative government, has tried to smooth over any contrast with the Church.

The Italian leader's statement said that Berlusconi confirmed to the pope that "the sacredness of the human person and of the family" is a priority of his government.

Shortly before his visit, Berlusconi also defended the Roman Catholic Church from frequent accusations that it interferes in domestic Italian affairs, saying it has a right to express its opinions.

The church has always rejected any accusation of interference, saying it has a duty to intervene on ethical matters even though it does not take political sides before elections.

Berlusconi also called for dialogue with the Vatican, saying before the visit: "We are on the side of the church and we believe in the values of our Christian tradition."

The two had previously met at the Vatican in November 2005, months after Benedict's election to the pontificate.

Berlusconi, who was then premier, lost power in a 2006 election but returned to office earlier this year. His new coalition no longer includes the Christian Democratic Party that is very close to the Vatican, but Berlusconi's right-hand man, Gianni Letta, has strong ties to the church. He accompanied the premier on the visit.