Freedom of expression has limits, one can't provoke: Pope on Charlie Hebdo cartoons
January 15, 2015 23:31
Even as France and entire world at large, continue to reel under shock generated by deadly attacks on French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo's office, Pope Francis on Thursday said that freedom of expression has limits and that one can't provoke others or insult others' faith. However, the pope added that it was an "aberration" to kill in God's name.
The ruthless attack by Kouachi brothers on Charlie Hebdo's office for publishing Prophet Muhammad cartoons killed eight journalists last week, triggering outrage worldwide as rallies were held across the globe in a show of solidarity with the victims.
However, Pope Francis objected to unbridled freedom of expression saying that it was inappropriate to provoke others or insult their faith.
Trying to present his opinion on a lighter note, the pope gave the example of his aide Alberto Gasparri, who organises his papal trips and was standing by his side aboard the papal plane.
"If my good friend Dr Gasparri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch. It's normal. You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others," the Pope said as quoted by a news agency.
However, Francis also said that it was an "aberration" to kill in the name of God and said religion can never be used to justify violence.
"One cannot make war (or) kill in the name of one's own religion... To kill in the name of God is an aberration," Francis said.
"There are so many people who speak badly about religions or other religions, who make fun of them, who make a game out of the religions of others," he said.
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