Citing his apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" ("The Joy of the Gospel"), Pope Francis proposed four principles "for the building of fraternal, just and peaceful societies."

Reflecting on the principle that "time is greater than space," the pope said the migration crisis, which is "inseparable from the issue of poverty and exacerbated by armed conflict," requires an effective solution spread over time with a clear "final objective."

"In the minds and hearts of government leaders, and at every phase of the enactment of political measures, there is a need to give absolute priority to the poor, refugees, the suffering, evacuees and the excluded, without distinction of nation, race, religion or culture, and to reject armed conflicts," he said.

He also urged world leaders to promote economic policies where "unity prevails over conflict." Economic differences, he said, cannot be resolved if leaders are not committed to "substantially reducing levels of conflict, halting the present arms race and renouncing direct or indirect involvement in conflicts."

"There is a tragic contradiction and inconsistency in the apparent unity expressed in common forums on economic or social issues, and the acceptance, active or passive, of armed conflicts," the pope said.

G-20 leaders, he continued, must follow the example of past world leaders who were guided by "the primacy of the human being" and turn away from "new ideologies of absolute market autonomy and financial speculation."

"In their tragic wake, these bring exclusion, waste and even death," the pope said.

Pope Francis said to resolve today's economic problems and challenges, the G-20 leaders must first "consider the eventual repercussions on all countries and their citizens, while respecting the views and opinions of the latter."

He also expressed his hope that the meeting would be led by "the spirit of responsible solidarity that guides all those taking part."

"I ask God's blessings upon the Hamburg meeting and on every effort of the international community to shape a new era of development that is innovative, interconnected, sustainable, environmentally respectful and inclusive of all peoples and all individuals," the pope said.

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