Pope Francis On Paris Attacks: Freedom Of Expression Must Also Have Limits, People 'Cannot Insult The Faith Of Others'

Pope Francis speaks during a mass at the Manila Cathedral, January 16, 2015. Pope Francis called on the Philippine government on Friday to tackle corruption and hear the cries of the poor suffering from "scandalous social inequalities" in Asia&# — Pope Francis speaks during a mass at the Manila Cathedral, January 16, 2015. Pope Francis called on the Philippine government on Friday to tackle corruption and hear the cries of the poor suffering from "scandalous social inequalities" in Asia's most Catholic country. REUTERS/ Stefano Rellandini Pope Francis speaks during a m

Without taking any sides and just being like a true statesman, Pope Francis has said that the terror attacks to the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on Jan 7 was initiated no less than by the people who worked for it. It wasn't probably how the staff envisioned it to happen, but it probably knew how it would somehow end.

The spiritual pontiff of the 1.3-billion strong Roman Catholic faith, who is now in the Philippines for a five-day visit, said he strongly believed in freedom of expression not only because it is a "fundamental human right," but also because a person also has an innate duty to express himself, more so for the sake of common good. But just like all good things, freedom of expression must and should be limited. As one expresses himself, he should also be aware of the possible consequences of his actions and words.

Enroute to the Philippines aboard the plane "Shepherd One," Pope Francis said insulting the faith of others is like verbal abuse. He likened the situation to a person cursing his mother. "If my good friend Dr. Gasbarri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch," Pope Francis said, although half-jokingly. Gasbarri is the person who organizes papal trips. He was standing by the pope's side when the latter made the example.

What the terrorists did on Jan 7, when they decided to kill five staff cartoonists of Charlie Hebdo, was "normal" because just like the freedom of expression flaunted by the satirical magazine, the attackers likewise flaunted the same right. "It's normal. You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others," Pope Francis said.

But freedom of expression, the pope believed, has become overrated. He stressed there should be limits to this fundamental human right, stressing that "provocateurs should not purposely anger religious people." When Charlie Hebdo started its tirade against the Islam faith, it should have expected a reaction of some sort will come afterwards.

Still, he maintained to kill in the name of religion isn't also justified. He said religion can and must never be used as excuse to justify violence.

"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. "They are provocateurs. And what happens to them is what would happen to Dr Gasbarri if he says a curse word against my mother. There is a limit."