Pope Francis has urged daughters-in-law to take care of their relationships with their mothers-in-law and vice versa.

The Pontiff made the remarks during his general audience in St Peter's Square on Wednesday. He gave a long speech about how mother in laws are often the victims of "clichés.". 

Francis said: "I'm not saying we see her (the mother in law as the devil, but she is always presented in a pejorative way). But the mother-in-law is the mother of your husband and the mother of your wife," he said.

The 85-year-old also urged daughters in law to take care of the relationship. He said: "... they gave birth to your spouse at least make them happy."

He added: "We say to ourselves 'the further away your mother-in-law is, the better'. But no - she's a mother, she's an elderly person. 

"One of the most beautiful things for a woman is to have grandchildren. When her children have children, it brings her to life again."

This is the second time Pope Francis has commented on the mother and daughter-in-law relationship. 

In 2015, he sparked laughter on a visit to the US when he told a crowd: "Families quarrel and sometimes plates can fly and children bring headaches, and I won't speak about mother-in-laws."

Francis also urged Catholics to honour the elderly and take care of family bonds.