"How many scandals, of which I unfortunately must be informed because of the place I find myself in, are born of money," Francis told Italian Jesuit journal Civiltà Cattolica.
What he called "clericalism" was one of the Church's biggest afflictions. Recalling the teaching of Jesuit founder St Ignatius of Loyola that poverty was "a mother and a wall", Francis said.
"How many Church disasters have started for a lack of poverty".
"Clericalism, which is one of the most serious ills of the Church, departs from poverty. Clericalism is rich".