The figures behind the Pope's speech on America's wealth gap

In his speech to the UN, Pope Francis highlighted some ugly truths when it comes to America's economy

On his tour of the US, Pope Francis described economic and social exclusion as a 'grave offence'.

As part of his speech to the UN he said:

"A selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads to both a misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged."

A selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads to both a misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged.

&#13; <p>Pope Francis</p>&#13;

According to figures from the Economic Policy Institute, in America the average pay increase in real wages between 1979 and 2013 for the bottom 90% versus the top 1% is 15% vs. 138%.

Meanwhile, CEOs make roughly 296 times what a typical worker earns.

It was also reported last year that the richest 1% own more wealth than the bottom 90%.

As part of Pope Francis' tour of the US, the pontiff visited New York, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.