The Pope has warned politicians in Strasbourg about the dangers of our throw away culture and the dominance of consumerism in society.

In a landmark speech to the European Parliament Pope Francis criticised peoples 'selfish attitudes'.

He has called for a "united response" when dealing with the arrival of boatloads of poor and desperate migrants in Europe and says Europe "cannot allow the Mediterranean to become a vast cemetery" following the deaths of thousands of migrants by drowning.

Pope Francis is addressing the European institutions in Strasbourg this morning.

He is currently meeting with the 47 member Council of Europe, which seeks to promote human rights, the rule of law and cultural cooperation across the continent.

His visit comes 26 years on from that of his predecessor, John Paul II, who visited on October 8th 1988, on the eve of the institution's 40th anniversary.

The current secretary-general of the council, Thorbjorn Jagland, says expectations for the papal visit are extremely high.

Mr Jagland says it is very important that Pope Francis stresses that Europe has to be values-based.

There are a lot of problems confronting European countries now, he says, but if we do not try to solve them on the basis of common values, of human rights and the rule of law, then we will not be able to solve these problems.

He also notes that there are problems of social unrest across the continent, with extremism growing as a result of that.

After an official welcome ceremony, the Pope will deliver a formal speech in the Parliament.

Pope Francis will also point to Europe's economic crisis and the tragic consequences it has had for, what he calls, the life of society and urge members of the European Parliament to work together to build Europe that revolves around the human and not the economy.