"Recently I saw some statistics on poverty. They make you suffer - the indifference of society towards the poor," the pope said, thanking medical staff who were providing free health care to the poor at the Vatican.
He also criticised what he called "the frenzy of running, of achieving everything right now, anyone left behind is viewed as a nuisance. And considered disposable."
The pope then joined his 1,500 guests for lunch in the Vatican's vast Paul VI Hall. The menu consisted of lasagna, chicken nuggets with cream of mushrooms and potatoes, dessert, fruit and coffee.