INTERNATIONAL: The head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State Pope Francis has described and condemned domestic violence by men against their partners as being "almost satanic". He has shared that the number of women who are beaten and abused in their homes, even by their husbands, is very high. The problem is that, it is almost satanic because it is taking advantage of a person who cannot defend herself, who can only try to block the blows. It is humiliating. Very humiliating. It's humiliating when a dad or a mum slaps a child in the face, it's already very humiliating. The Pope adds, one should never slap a child in the face because, as always, it takes away dignity.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began nearly two years ago, Francis has several times spoken out against domestic violence, which has increased in many countries since lockdowns left many women trapped with their abusers.

Police figures released last month showed that there are about 90 episodes of violence against women in Italy every day and that 62% were cases of domestic violence.

Turning to other examples of human misery, he listened to a homeless woman speak of life on the street and a man trying to get back on his feet after 25 years in jail.

"Any conviction for a crime committed must have a hope, a window", Francis has said talking about prison as a system of redemption. "People must be given hope that one day they will be able to get out."

^{PHOTO: POPE FRANCIS SAYING MEN WHO COMMIT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ENGAGE IN SOMETHING THAT IS "ALMOST SATANIC"}