A Vatican spokesperson has confirmed that Pope Francis has brought back 12 migrants from Lesbos.

It's understood the three families, including six children, come from Syria. 

The pontiff flew out from the Greek island this afternoon following an often emotional visit. 

Earlier, Pope Francis told refugees at a detention centre on Lesbos: " You are not alone".

The Pope said Europe must deal with the migrant crisis in a "way that is worthy of our common humanity".

Signalling the intention of his trip this morning, Pope Francis said via twitter: "Refugees are not numbers, they are people who have faces, names, stories, and need to be treated as such."

Refugees are not numbers, they are people who have faces, names, stories, and need to be treated as such.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 16, 2016