Sexual violence as weapon of war shameful crime - pope

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 19 - Sexual violence used as a weapon of war is a shameful crime, Pope Francis said Monday.
    In a tweet on the the International Day Against Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict, Francis said: "Sexual violence used as a weapon of war is unfortunately a widespread reality. We must denounce this shameful crime and never tire of saying no to war, no to violence.
    "To the survivors of sexual violence in conflicts, to every child and wounded adult, I say: while the violent ones treat you like objects, the Lord sees your dignity and repeats to you: 'You are precious in my eyes, because you are worthy of esteem and I love you'". (ANSA).