The Pope has advised business leaders that money is not “morally neutral”, emphasising the need for socially responsible banking and finance.

"Wealth is good when it is placed at the service of one's neighbour; otherwise it is wicked," Pope Francis said yesterday during a meeting with participants in an international conference for associations of Catholic business leaders.

"Money must serve, not rule," he said. "Money does not have a neutral value, but acquires value according to the aims and the circumstances in which it is used."