Pope Francis' smacking comments drew fire. Photo / AP
A New Zealander who advises Pope Francis on combating sexual abuse has criticised the pontiff's support of smacking children.
Dr Krysten Winter-Green, who is based in Boston and works with abused young people, said there was no type of corporal punishment for children that was acceptable.
Dr Winter-Green has served
in dioceses around the world with homeless persons and those living with Aids. She specialises in areas of child abuse that include forensics, assessment and treatment of priest/clergy offenders.
Pope Francis said it was okay for parents to spank their children if their dignity was respected.
"One time, I heard a father say, 'I sometimes have to smack my children a bit, but never in the face so as to not humiliate them'," the Pope said. "How beautiful!"
