Pope Francis has said Europe had become "elderly" during the economic crisis as he visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
In a speech to parliament, he said: "Europe seems to give the impression of being somewhat elderly and haggard, feeling less and less a protagonist."
He said the "great ideas" that once inspired Europe "have been replaced by the bureaucratic technicalities of its institutions".
"Technological and economic questions" are dominating political debate, to the "detriment of concern for human beings."
The Pope also urged the European Union to give migrants "acceptance and assistance" and not to allow the Mediterranean to become a "vast cemetery".
He said: "There needs to be a united response to the question of migration. We cannot allow the Mediterranean to become a vast cemetery.
"The boats landing daily on the shores of Europe are filled with men and women who need acceptance and assistance."
The Pope also spoke about the role of the family, the important role of education and the need for good working conditions for labourers.
Flag of the Holy See is raised on the arrival of the #Pope to the European Parliament pic.twitter.com/Sf948hhwF7
— Ailbhe Conneely (@AilbheConneely) November 25, 2014He said ecology and nature was important too, particularly the agricultural sector, which provides "sustenance and nourishment" to human beings.
The pontiff was in Strasbourg following an invitation from European Parliament President Martin Schulz, when he visited him in the Vatican last year.
Bells rang out from Catholic churches across the city to mark his visit, including the historic city-centre cathedral, where hundreds of the faithful watched his speech on giant screens set up in front of the building.
Pope Francis also addressed the Council of Europe during the four-hour trip, the first to the French city since Pope John Paul II in 1988, and the shortest abroad by any pope.
The pontiff also met 97-year-old Helma Schmidt whose family he stayed with to learn German when he was a young man.
In 1988, Pope John Paul II was heckled by former DUP leader Ian Paisley, who was ejected from the parliament by fellow MEPs.
Pope Francis told reporters on a flight home from Strasbourg to Rome that the door should not be shut to dialogue with the Islamic State group.
He also said he had ordered an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a minor by priests in Spain after the complainant wrote to him.
