During his speech on global survey and world crises on Monday, Pope Francis touched on the subjects of abortion, immigration and explained what constitutes the "throwaway culture," the Associated Press reported.
According to the pope, the "throwaway culture" consists of a culture "that wastes people as well as food," criticizing abortion, waste and intolerance as mentalities that can cause "a threat to world peace," the AP reported.
"We cannot be indifferent to those suffering from hunger, especially children, when we think of how much food is wasted every day in many parts of the world immersed in what I have often termed 'the throwaway culture,'" Francis said, according to the AP.
"For example," he continued, "it is frightful even to think that there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day."
Pope Francis also called for fair and respectful treatment of the elderly as well as for children who should "be protected from exploitation, slavery and hunger," the AP reported.
In light of the turmoil and violence in Egypt, Central Africa and South Sudan, Francis also called international powers to "do more" in efforts to end the violence and bloodshed, the AP reported
The pope spoke for migrants who have left their homes in search of a better future and specifically urged Italy to "renew their praiseworthy commitment of solidarity" as they face huge African migrations, according to the AP.
Last year, Francis visited the island of Lampedusa, the end location for many migrants crossing the Mediterranean sea which has recently seen a high number of boats that have capsized or gone under before reaching the shores, the AP reported.
Lastly, Pope Francis spoke on ending the violence towards Christians citing prosecution as one of the reasons Christians are fleeing the Middle East, Nigeria, Mali and parts of Asia, according to the AP.
"We must never cease to do good, even when it is difficult and demanding, and when we endure acts of intolerance if not genuine persecution," Francis said, according to the AP.
