POPE Francis has described domestic violence as something “almost satanic” in an interview with Italian television, insisting on the dignity of the victims whose numbers have climbed since the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was referring to “the great number of women who are abused and beaten at home, even by their husbands” in remarks to TG5 during a special programme broadcast yesterday.

Pope Francis was filmed talking to four people described as being the “invisible ones” in society, including a victim of such abuse. They discussed issues such as fallout from the pandemic, poverty and violence.

“It is a problem which, to my eyes, is almost satanic,” he told one of his interlocutors, a woman who had to flee her violent husband with her children.

“Because it is taking advantage of the weakness of someone who cannot defend themselves.”

Comparing the suffering of abused women with that of Mary, the mother of Christ, who had to witness his crucifixion, he argued that she had never lost her dignity.

Advising the woman to draw strength from that example, he told her: “I see a lot of dignity in you, for if you had lost your dignity, you would not be here.”

Domestic violence cases have soared during lockdowns imposed to try to stem the spread of the coronavirus in Italy.

A total of 112 women have been killed in the country since January, according to figures by the Interior Ministry, more than half of them by current or past partner.

Pope Francis has denounced violence against women on several occasions, comparing it to a “profanation” last year. – AFP, December 20, 2021.