Rome ? Pope John Paul II made a historic speech to Italy’s parliament Thursday, urging Italians to work for world peace, uphold their Christian values and have more babies.

The visit ” the first time a pope has appeared before the Italian parliament ” underscored the warmth that the country feels for the Polish-born John Paul, the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years.

It also showed that Italy and the Roman Catholic Church have healed the wounds that a century ago prompted popes to call themselves “prisoners” of the Vatican rather than accept Italy’s government as legitimate.

The pope referred to the once-strained relations but said the bonds were now strong. He said Italy’s very identity “would be most difficult to understand without reference to Christianity, its lifeblood.”

The pope, 82, covered most of the general topics he has addressed in his 24-year pontificate, including respect for the dignity of man, democracy, peace and justice.

But his emphasis was on Italy ” and particularly what he called “the crisis of the birthrate.”

While Italy is largely Roman Catholic, the church teaching that couples should be open to having children is not enthusiastically followed: Italy has one of the lowest birthrates in the world ” 9.3 births per 1,000 inhabitants ” and one of the oldest populations.

Italian women on average have 1.23 children, a figure under the European Union average of about 1.48 and well below the American average of about 2.1.

The United Nations has warned that Italy’s economic future is at risk because the shrinking work force won’t be able to support its aging population without an influx of migrant workers.

The pope said politicians should adopt initiatives that “can make the task of having children and bringing them up less burdensome both socially and economically.” And parents should instill in their children strong moral values, while schools should develop in a “healthy climate of freedom.”

Pope John Paul II, left, is greeted by Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, right, and Chamber of Deputies' President Pierferdinando Casini as he arrives at the Italian parliament in Rome. Thursday's visit was the first time a pope has appeared before the group.