Pope to mafiosi: You will go to hell if you don't repent and renounce "blood-stained money"

Pope Francis greets faithful as he arrives for a meeting with relatives of innocent mafia victims, in Rome's St. Gregorio VII church, just outside the Vatican, Friday, March 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (The Associated Press)

Pope Francis is cheered by faithful as he arrives for a meeting with relatives of innocent mafia victims, in Rome's St. Gregorio VII church, just outside the Vatican, Friday, March 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (The Associated Press)

Pope Francis poses for photographers with Malta's President George Abela, at this left, and members of his family and delegates during a private audience in the Pontiff's studio, at the Vatican, Friday, March 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool) (The Associated Press)

Pope Francis has warned mobsters they will go to Hell if they don't repent and renounce their "blood-stained money and blood-stained power."

Francis delivered the forceful, off-the-cuff speech to a prayer vigil Friday for relatives of people killed by the mafia, during which the names of 842 victims were read aloud.

Francis said he couldn't leave the service without speaking to those not present: the "protagonists" of mafia violence.

He said "this life that you live now won't give you pleasure. It won't give you joy or happiness."

The pope went on to say that "blood-stained money, blood-stained power, you can't bring it with you to your next life. Repent. There's still time to not end up in Hell, which is what awaits you if you continue on this path."