Pope Calls Sex Abusers ‘Children Of God’ And Deserving Of ‘Love’

Pope Says Sex Abusers Are ‘Children Of God’ And Deserving Of ‘Love’

Pope Francis raised some eyebrows while discussing sex abusers, whom he labeled “children of God” who deserve love and “pastoral care” — as well revolting “enemies” who must be punished.

The pontiff made his remarks last month during a private meeting with a group of Jesuit priests in Hungary.

However, they were only published Tuesday by La Civilta Cattolica, an Italian Jesuit journal. “How do we approach, how do we talk to the abusers for whom we feel revulsion? Yes, they too are children of God. But how can you love them?” Francis was quoted as saying.

 

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The 86-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church was responding to a question from a Hungarian Jesuit who asked:

“The Gospel asks us to love, but how do we love at the same time people who have experienced abuse and their abusers?”

The pope acknowledged that the answer to this “powerful question” was “not easily at all.”

Francis explained that a sexual predator was to be condemned, “but as a brother” still deserving of love and care.