Pope Francis lands in Manila today Photo Credit: AP / Channel 2 News
Pope Francis addressed the terror attacks, which took place last week in Paris, and the controversy sparked by the new edition of the “Charlie Hebdo” magazine showcasing a caricature of the Prophet Mohammed. He stressed today (Thursday) that “even freedom of expression has its limits, when it comes to mocking other peoples’ faith.”
The remarks were voiced during a flight from Sri Lanka to the Philippines, when Pope Francis was asked about his position regarding freedom of expression. The Pope said that one cannot stir up provocations at the expense of others and insult another persons’ faith. “Whoever does this should expect a response,” he explained.
The terror attack at the Charlie Hebdo offices Photo Credit: The Sun / Channel 2 News
The Pope emphasized that “both freedom of expression and freedom of religion are basic human rights.” He added that “one has not only the right and freedom but the obligation to say what one thinks for the greater good.”
However, the Pope claimed that freedom of expression should not come at the expense of others. Addressing his assistant, he said that “it is true that one should not respond violently, but even if we are good friends, if you curse my mother, you can expect a punch. It’s normal. One cannot make fun of other peoples’ faith. Something could occur. Even freedom of expression has its limits.”
Caricature of Prophet Mohammed in Charlie Hebdo Magazine Photo Credit: Channel 2
With regards to the battles between Islam and Christianity throughout history, the Pope said: “Let us think of our history. How many religious wars have we undertaken? We have also sinned. One cannot kill in the name of God – it is a perversion.”
Just to have a balance in opinion.
WarSclerotic 
January 16, 2015 at 12:57 AM
Since when has the Catholic Church stood up for freedom of speech?
They burned Giordano Bruno at the stake for saying all the things that todays Astronomers have proven to be facts.
The Church is built on faith, not rational thought.
You have to wonder about a Pope who defends his mortal enemy Islam while Islam is busy slaughtering every Christian they can get their hands on .
He goes to great lengths to protect Muslim sensibilities.
Where is his Crusade to free the Holy Land and all the Christian lands in the Middle East from the genocide of the Muslims?
Christians are being slaughtered daily and what do we hear from the Pope?…. not a peep.
January 16, 2015 at 1:20 AM
Even kissing moslime feet !