Pope Francis said: "Wealth is good when it is placed at the service of one's neighbour; otherwise it is wicked."
The pontiff advised those at the meeting to treat employees fairly before adding that "corruption is the worst social plague."
"It is a lie to seek profit for oneself or one's group under the semblance of serving society," he said. "It is the law of the jungle masqueraded by an apparent social rationale."
Pope Francis claimed that the world needs better credit facilities to help those who are trying to set up small business and "ensure basic human needs are met."
The Catholic leader then appealed to businesses to put pressure on their governments to be more welcoming to refugees and immigrants.
"Most of us here belong to families of immigrants," said Pope Francis. "Our grandparents or parents came from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Lebanon or other countries and went to South or North America, almost always in conditions of extreme poverty.
"They were able to raise a family and make progress, even becoming business owners, because they found welcoming societies."