Rome: Pope Francis called for a united Europe in an interview published by Italian daily La Stampa, saying recent political rhetoric has echoed that of Nazi Germany.

Pope Francis. Credit:AP

"I am concerned because we hear speeches that resemble those of Hitler in 1934," he said. " 'Us first. We . . . We. . . . ' These are frightening thoughts."

It is not the first time the pontiff has made such remarks, but his comments published on Friday came as Italy's populist government appeared to be on the verge of collapse.

On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, the most powerful politician in Italy, called for parliament to be dissolved and asked President Sergio Mattarella to order snap elections that could make Italy's government lean even further right.