Pope Francis has made an appeal as a series of migrant crises rage around the globe: Don't close the door to those seeking a better life.

Francis made the comments during his weekly general audience Wednesday. He thanked those who care for refugees and urged governments to act together to prevent forced migration.

Speaking off-the-cuff, he said: "I invite all of you to ask forgiveness for those who close the door on these people who are looking for life, for a family, and to be cared for."

In Italy, dozens migrants have been camped out on the border with France, which won't let them in. Hungary is warning it may build a fence to keep out migrants. Australia is accused of paying smugglers to take migrants back to Indonesia.