Pope Francis Calls Sexual Abusers 'Despicable Enemies' and Urges Love for Them

Pope Francis has labeled sexual abusers as 'despicable enemies' but has urged for love towards them. This was reported by Reuters.

It is noted that Francis shared his thoughts during a private conversation with members of the Jesuit community at the end of April during his visit to Hungary. The Vatican leader concluded that abusers, like all people, deserve Christian love and care.

“A criminal is an enemy; each of us feels that way because we empathize with the suffering of the victim... Even talking to the offender evokes disgust, it is not easy. But they are also children of God. They deserve punishment, but they also deserve pastoral care,” said the pontiff.

In January, Francis stated that homosexuality is a sin, but not a crime. The pontiff called on all Catholic bishops to “show mercy” to members of the LGBTQ community. According to him, the lack of mercy towards one's neighbor is no less of a sin than homosexuality itself.