Pope: World 'powers' did nothing as Jews, gays, were taken to death camps during WWII

Pope Francis talks about egoism and money during a meeting with the youths, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, June 21, 2015. Pope Francis earlier prayed in front of the Holy Shroud, the 14 foot-long linen revered by some as the burial cloth of Jesus, on display at the Cathedral of Turin. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) (The Associated Press)

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Pope Francis delivers his speech during a meeting with the youths, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, June 21, 2015. Pope Francis earlier prayed in front of the Holy Shroud, the 14 foot-long linen revered by some as the burial cloth of Jesus, on display at the Cathedral of Turin. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) (The Associated Press)

Pope Francis waits for a group of young people carrying a wooden cross during a meeting with the youths, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, June 21, 2015. Pope Francis earlier prayed in front of the Holy Shroud, the 14 foot-long linen revered by some as the burial cloth of Jesus, on display at the Cathedral of Turin. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) (The Associated Press)

TURIN, Italy – Pope Francis has denounced what he calls the "great powers" of the world for failing to act when there was intelligence indicating Jews, Christians, homosexuals and others were being transported to death camps in Europe during World War II.

He also decried "how many Christians suffered" and died in gulags later in Russia under the Stalin dictatorship.

The pope's harsh assessments came in impromptu remarks during his visit to Turin, northern Italy, when he told young people he understands how they find it hard to trust the world.

Francis said: "The great powers, they divided Europe like a cake" in the 1930s and 1940s and lamented that in today's world "everything is done for money."

He also lamented the hypocrisy of those advocating peace while also manufacturing or selling arms.