Vatican City  - Pope Benedict XVI said Monday that the current global market crash should teach humans not to value their career and success above all else and that money is ultimately worth "nothing".

"Those who build the house of their lives on sand, are those who build on things that are visible and tangible, such as success, career and money," Benedict was quoted as saying by the ANSA news agency.

"We can now see with the collapse of the great banks, how this money disappears, and becomes nothing," the pontiff added.

Benedict was speaking during the first session of the 12th Assembly General of the Synod of Bishops, a gathering of top Roman Catholics from around the world scheduled to last until October 26. (dpa)