Pope Francis called on Muslim leaders in particular to speak out against Islamic extremism
Pope Francis
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Francis said Thursday there are limits to freedom of speech, especially when it insults or ridicules someone’s faith.
Francis spoke about the Paris terror attacks while en route to the Philippines, defending free speech as not only a fundamental human right but a duty to speak one’s mind for the sake of the common good.
But he said there were limits.
By way of example, he referred to Alberto Gasparri, who organizes papal trips and was standing by his side aboard the papal plane.
“If my good friend Dr. Gasparri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch,” Francis said half-jokingly, throwing a mock punch his way. “It’s normal. You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others.”
His pretend punch aside, Francis by no means said the violent attack on Charlie Hebdo was justified. Quite the opposite: He said such horrific violence in God’s name couldn’t be justified and was an “aberration.” But he said a reaction of some sort was to be expected.
Many people around the world have defended the right of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo to publish inflammatory cartoons of the Prophet Muhammed in the wake of the massacre by Islamic extremists at its Paris offices and subsequent attack on a kosher supermarket in which three gunmen killed 17 people.
Others, though, have noted that in virtually all societies, freedom of speech has its limits, from laws against Holocaust denial to racially motivated hate speech.
Recently the Vatican and four prominent French imams issued a joint declaration that, while denouncing the Paris attacks, urged the media to treat religions with respect.
Francis, who has called on Muslim leaders in particular to speak out against Islamic extremism, went a step further Thursday when asked by a French journalist about whether there were limits when freedom of expression meets freedom of religion.
“There are so many people who… read more at
Categories: Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Asia, Countries, Free speach, Free Speech, Freedom, Islam, Philippines
The Pakistani Government decided not to listen to the advice of the Khalifa of Islam. I hope they pay attention to what his Holiness the Pope has to say regarding “insulting ” the faith of others”. Please forward a copy of the Pope’e message to Geo TV.
The Pope has said some good words. At the same time he has advised a harsh treatment for charlie i.e. a Mukka, that a big hurting hit on the face of blasphemers.
Real way of reply has been explained very well by Hazrat KhalIfah Sahib. i.e. Darood and Salaam only.
The Pope is incorrect. Unless of course you live in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia had been exporting lots of terrorism. And Egytians also did the same. Presently Pakistanis are on top of terrorism list. Now heat may be felt by all officials of those countries.
The Pakistani Government decided not to listen to the advice of the Khalifa because to me Pakistani Government not true follower of Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) they are true follower of Pope.They are scared if they show khutba of Ahmadi Khalifa on Geo majority of non Ahmadi will know the truth .
By the Grace of God Ahmadies advised to follow the true teaching of Islam and foot steps of our beloved Master Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him).