Hurricanes that lashed the United States and the Caribbean were a warning to world leaders that humanity would "go down" if it did not address climate change, Pope Francis says.

The Pope said those who failed to act were "stupid" and would be judged by history for failing in their "moral responsibility".

Pope Francis warns of the perils of climate change to humanity. Credit:AP

"If we don't turn back, we will go down. Those who deny it should go to the scientists and ask them. They are very clear, very precise. They [world leaders] decide and history will judge those decisions," he said on Monday.

He added: "A phrase from the Old Testament comes to mind: 'Man is stupid, a stubborn, blind man.' All of us have a responsibility, all of us, small or large, a moral responsibility. Each person has their own. Even politicians have their own."