After Charlie Hebdo, Pope Francis Says Freedom of Speech Has Its Limits Deborah Ball - WSJ.com
go to original January 15, 2015

Pope Francis, on left, smiled as he spoke to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III after landing Thursday in Manila. (Reuters)

Pope Francis waded into the debate over freedom of expression following the attacks in Paris, saying that killing in the name of religion is an “aberration,” but adding that those who deride other faiths can expect to provoke a strong — even violent — response.

Speaking in reference to last week’s assault on French publication Charlie Hebdo that left 12 dead, the pope said that “no one can kill in the name of God. This is an aberration.”

He added, however, that “there is a limit to freedom of expression.” The pope offered a colorful example, referring to a hypothetical case in which someone insults his mother.

“One cannot react violently, but if (someone) says something bad about my mother, he can expect a punch. It’s to be expected,” the pontiff said. “There are a lot of people who speak badly about other religions. They make fun of them. What happens is what happens with my friend (who insults my mother). There is a limit.”

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