Sexual abusers are disgusting 'enemies' but still should be loved, pope says

FILE PHOTO: Pope Francis delivers his weekly general audience from the library in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, November 11, 2020. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Sexual abusers are disgusting "enemies" who deserve to be condemned and punished - but also deserve Christian love and pastoral care because they too are children of God, Pope Francis said.

Francis made his comments on April 29 in a private conversation with Jesuits while he was visiting Hungary.