The Number Of Women Beaten And Abused By Their Husbands Is Very High, Pope Francis: Shameful!

Pope Francis. (Vatican News YouTube screenshot)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis says men who commit domestic violence against women are engaging in something 'almost satanic'.

He made the comments, some of the strongest language he has used to condemn such violence, during a program broadcast on Sunday evening on Italy's TG5 network, in which he spoke to three women and a man, all against difficult backgrounds.

"The number of women who are beaten and abused in their homes, even by their husbands, is very, very high," Pope Francis said in response to a question by a woman named Giovanna, a victim of domestic violence.

"The thing is, for me, it's almost vicious because it takes advantage of people who can't defend themselves, who can only (try to) block the blow," he said. "It's a shame. It's a shame," he insisted.

Giovanna said she had four children to care for after they fled an abusive home.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began almost two years ago, Pope Francis has spoken out several times against domestic violence, which has escalated in many countries since lockdowns have left many women stuck with perpetrators.

Police figures released last month show there are about 90 episodes of violence against women in Italy every day and 62 percent are cases of domestic violence.

The Pope further said that women who are beaten and abused do not lose their dignity.

"I see dignity in you because if you didn't have dignity you wouldn't be here," he told Giovanna.

Turning to another example of human misery, he listens to a homeless woman talk about life on the street and a man trying to bounce back after 25 years in prison.

Pope Francis has set up services in the area around the Vatican to provide health care for the homeless, bathing and haircutting facilities in Rome.

In 2020, when a palazzo just off St. Peter's Square that was once a convent became vacant, he ordered it to be turned into a homeless shelter, rejecting suggestions that it would be turned into a luxury hotel.