Vatican City, April 20 (RHC)-- Pope Francis traveled to the Greek island of Lesbos to meet with refugees who have fled war and poverty in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries.

At the end of his trip, Pope Francis took three families of Syrian refugees, including six children, aboard his flight to Rome.  He said: "It's a small gesture, but one which we all need to offer to give a helping hand to those in need!"

Pope Francis called on European nations to do more to help refugees fleeing war.  He said: "To be truly united with those forced to flee their homelands, we need to eliminate the causes of this dramatic situation.  It is necessary, above all, to build peace where war has brought destruction and death, and to stop this scourge from spreading."