Pope Francis has questioned the hypocrisy of Christians who don't welcome refugees. 

The pontiff was asked a question by an audience member at a meeting of Catholic and Lutheran pilgrims from Germany, and told believers that Jesus condemned hypocrisy.

The global leader of Catholics said he does not like "the contradiction of those who want to defend Christianity in the West, and, on the other hand, are against refugees and other religions."

He told those gathered that "you cannot be a Christian without living like a Christian."

Last year Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Europe did not have an obligation to take in everyone and that it should protect its borders.

The country used its Christian status saying it wanted to prioritise refugees from the same belief background.

It constructed wire fencing at its borders.

Talking to pilgrims on Thursday Pope Francis said that Christians need to follow the example Jesus set. 

He has spoken openly in the past about welcoming persecuted brothers and sisters from across the globe, and the pope recently hosted a lunch with refugees in the Vatican.