On his way to the Philippines, Pope Francis gave a roughly 50 minute press conference, where he was asked about the recent attacks in Paris. A total of 12 people were killed in the Charlie Hebdo offices, which is a publication known for frequently ridiculing religion.
He condemned the attacks saying that 'one cannot offend, go to war or kill in the name of God.' He said freedom of expression is a 'fundamental human right.' But that right, he said, has limits, and one of them is respect.
POPE FRANCIS
'One should not provoke. One shouldn't insult the faith of others. Faith should not be mocked.â?
He even jokingly said that if a friend, who was standing right next to him, insulted his mother, he should expect a punch.
POPE FRANCIS
'It's true that one cannot react violently, but if Dr. Gasbarri, who is a good friend of mine, insulted my mother, he should expect a punch.â?
When asked about whether he was worried about being the target of an attack, the Pope said he's more worried about pilgrims getting hurt in public Vatican events. But if something were to happen, he says, his low tolerance for pain, does worry him from time to time.
POPE FRANCIS
'Sometimes I ask myself, what if something were to happen to me? If that happens, I have asked the Lord for the grace of not being harmed, because I don't have much courage when it comes to pain. Of that I am fearful.â?
The Pope also added that he's planning on canonizing a Spanish missionary, Junipero Serra, when he goes to the U.S. in September.
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