The Pope has warned benefactors the church does not want money that comes from the exploitation of workers.

Pope Francis railed against employers who mistreat and underpay their workers during his general audience.

It is a theme the Pope has frequently emphasised, denouncing how the wealthy exploit the poor and working class for their own profit, often subjecting workers to slave-like conditions.

Pope Francis told the crowd in a sunny St Peter's Square that when he thinks about church benefactors who offer donations that are "fruit of the blood" of exploited workers, he tells them: "Please, take your cheques back and burn them."

He added: "The people of God and the church don't need dirty money. They need hearts that are open to the mercy of God."