Pope Benedict XVI waves from his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square during the Angelus prayer

Pope Benedict says he hopes leaders at this week's G8 summit will adopt solid, genuine measures to help wipe out poverty, and promote development in Africa.

The pope says Africa's problems are often overlooked. He made his remarks Sunday to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for his weekly blessing.

The Roman Catholic pontiff's comments come just days before leaders of the world's most industrialized countries and Russia confer in Scotland. Debt relief for the world's poorest nations is expected to be high on the agenda.

Benedict's predecessor, the late Pope John Paul, often urged wealthy nations to help poor countries and relieve debts during his 26-year papacy.