"The devil always comes in through the pocket, always," the pope said.

The Vatican welcomed the refugee families after an appeal made by Pope Francis on every parish, religious community, monastery and shrine in Europe to take in a family of refugees.

The pope told the participants that his first reaction to hearing about "this praiseworthy initiative" was one of gratitude to God.

We must ask ourselves, what do I feel when I see on the news that a bomb has fallen on a hospital and lots of poor children have been killed? Do I just say a prayer and go on my way like before?

Bishop Thomas Tobin, who has previously criticized Francis, posted a Facebook message entitled "Three Reasons Not to Give to Panhandlers" on Tuesday.