Pope Francis: Insult my mother or Islam and 'expect a punch'

Commenting on Charlie Hebdo’s ‘survivor’s edition’, Pope Francis said that there are limits to the freedom of expression.

17:56 16 January 2015

Pope Francis has made comments in light of the controversial Prophet Mohamed cartoons that appeared on the latest edition of Charlie Hebdo’s magazine. He said that there are ‘limits’ to the freedom of expression and even went so far to say that anyone who insults his mother or Islam can expect a punch.

He made the comments while on his way to the Philippines, a day after around 1,500 Muslims protested against the depiction of the Prophet in the satirical French magazine.

He added that although the freedom of speech and expression are fundamental human rights, no one has the right to offend and ridicule the faiths and beliefs of others.

By way of example, he referred to Alberto Gasparri, who organises his trips and was standing by his side on board the papal plane. He said: “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.”

Recently, the Vatican and four prominent French imams issued a joint declaration that denounced the attacks that killed Charlie Hebdo’s twelve staff members. However, they also urged the media to treat religions with respect.