Pope urges 'profound' economic reform

Pope Benedict XVI is calling for a "profound reform" of the global economy in the wake of last week's G20 summit in Seoul.

At his weekly address at the Vatican, the Pope said he is concerned the economic crisis will tempt richer nations to forge alliances with one another at the expense of poorer ones.

Addressing the faithful in St. Peter's Square, he said the current economic crisis must be addressed "with great seriousness."

The current economic crisis "sends a strong call for a profound reform of the global economic development model," he said, adding that top economies should not "chase advantageous alliances" that he said could have "grave results for the poorest."

Benedict reiterated his views against unsustainable consumerism and called for a new equilibrium between agriculture, industry and services.

He then turned his thoughts to the people of Haiti, who are struggling with a growing cholera outbreak in the wake of January's devastating earthquake.

"I support all those who are doing their best for this new emergency and, while I will give a particular mention in my prayers, I appeal to the international community so that this population can be helped generously," he said.