Pope denounces violence against women, demands protection

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis is denouncing the verbal, physical, psychological and sexual violence women endure and is demanding greater protections and attention for them. Francis dedicated his February prayer intentions to women victims of violence, and said those who commit such abuses are cowards.  He said: “It’s shocking how many women are beaten, insulted, and raped. The various forms of ill-treatment that many women suffer are acts of cowardice and a degradation of all