On the first day of a visit to mineral-rich DR Congo, Pope Francis decried "economic colonialism" in Africa, news agency Agence France Presse (AFP) on Tuesday reported.
"Stop choking Africa: It is neither a mine to be stripped or a territory to be plundered," the pontiff urged to applause at the presidential palace in Kinshasa, the country's capital, the report said.
Pope Francis has landed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a much-anticipated visit, which will be followed by a trip to South Sudan.
Both nations have huge Catholic populations and have experienced long, violent conflicts, which are expected to be highlighted by the pope's visit.
In a new interview, Pope Francis insists homosexuality is not a crime. Thousands of Congolese have flocked to the capital Kinshasa to catch sight of Pope Francis.
It is the first pope's visit to the country since 1985, and over half of the 95 million people are Catholics.
His trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and subsequently South Sudan will emphasise the long-running hostilities in both countries, as well as the growing relevance of Africa to the future of the Catholic Church. With almost 200 million believers, Africa is the Church's fastest-growing region, but the continent remains under-represented in Vatican administration.
The pope is planning to conduct masses in Kinshasa, visit various organisations, including victims of violence, and endeavour to elevate the country's morale.
(With Inputs From Agencies)