Pope Francis: freedom of speech also has boundaries

Pope Francis defended freedom of the press, but at the same time stressed that freedom of speech and expression is not unlimited.

According to the pontiff, journalists should treat religious beliefs of believers with respect and avoid mockery of faith.

As an example, the pope said that even his assistant could get in the face if his mother was insulted.

Meanwhile, the creator of the famous slogan “I am Charlie”, which has become a symbol of support for journalists from Charlie Hebdo, filed an application for the official recognition of his copyright, to prevent the possible commercial exploitation of the slogan.

Do not provoke

Speaking to reporters accompanying him on a trip to the Philippines, Pope Francis stated that the attack on journalists was a terrible mistake and that cruelty in the name of God could not be justified.

The pope defended the right to freedom of expression, but at the same time declared that it has limits, especially with regard to attacks on religious beliefs.

“If my good friend Dr. Gasparri (who organizes dad’s trips) had insulted my mother, he would have been punched in the face,” said dad, pretending to hit the doctor standing next to him.

“You have no right to provocation. Faith cannot be ridiculed, there is a limit,” the pope said, writes BBC News.