God and money are implacable enemies, Pope Francis said on Tuesday, recalling how early Christians "harmoniously" shared their wealth with other members of their communities according to need.
"God and money are two bosses and it is impossible to serve both," Francis said in a sermon as he celebrated mass at the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel.
As the Gospels describe, the first Christian communities lived in harmony, sharing everything and no one was in need, Francis said.
"Harmony is the word that summarises the sentiments and way of life of the first Christian communities," the pontiff stated.
"They had one single heart and soul. No one believed in private property and they shared everything. No one was in need."
