Pope Francis has called domestic abuse against women "almost diabolical," and he has stated that parents should never hit their children in the face.

A mother who had lately escaped her house with her four children was interviewed by Francis on television, and Francis made the remark during the interview. They appeared on the TG5 show, which aired on the private Mediaset network late Sunday night. The program also featured footage of Francis engaging with other people, including a homeless lady, a prisoner, and a student.

The battered mother told the Pope her experience and asked him for advice on how she and her children might regain their dignity after being subjected to so much violence.

Domestic violence is a topic that frequently makes headlines in Italy, and Francis, who has previously spoken out against "femicides," responded by acknowledging the problem.

As he put it, the problem "is almost satanic" in that it is about profiting off the weakness of those who are unable to defend themselves and can only attempt to deflect the blows. The experience has been "humbling," "extremely embarrassing."

He went on to say that slapping a child was "humiliating" and that it was also "inappropriate." When it comes to children, I always say, "Never slap a child in the face!" Why? "Because your dignity is represented by your appearance."

Francis responded directly to the abused woman's query, telling her that she hasn't lost any of her dignity in the process.

"I can sense your dignity in this room. The image of the "Pieta," a figure of Mary holding the crucified Jesus, he continued, imploring her to be inspired by it. "If you had lost your dignity, you wouldn't be here," he remarked.

In his words, "Look at the Madonna, and remember that picture of courage."